BJP leader Vijay Sampla meets with fans but doesn’t reveal much about himself
Vijay Sampla, the leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party, met with his supporters in Hoshiarpur today, despite rumors circulating that he had joined another party after being refused a ticket from the Hoshiarpur seat.
According to sources, the supporters recommended that Sampla run from Hoshiarpur in order to oppose the BJP nominee. Anita Som Parkash, the spouse of Union Minister Som Parkash, has been put up by the saffron party for the position.
Some of his supporters thought he should join SAD, while others thought he should join the Congress as it would guarantee his win. Still, a number of veterans supported his continued membership in the BJP.
Sampla is now holding his cards close to his chest since the meeting did not result in a clear agreement on the matter. He is still in contact with the Congress and Akali Dal leadership, according to sources. His supporters said that he could decide on his next course of action over the course of a few days.
Amid persistent rumors that he was joining the Akali Dal that persisted until this morning, BJP state president Sunil Jakhar issued a statement on Friday announcing that Sampla remained a member of the party and that their issues will be resolved shortly.
On Wednesday, two state officials who are also his acquaintances contacted him. Sampla’s followers expressed their disappointment that the BJP’s senior state leadership did not make an effort to appease him.
In today’s discussion, many possibilities were considered. “He is a senior Dalit leader,” said a senior leader in attendance at the conference. Workers believe that Sampla’s presence would be crucial in helping the BJP win the seat, as a fierce struggle between the AAP and the Congress is anticipated.
“I have no plans (of a shift) right now,” Sampla said in an interview with The Tribune. Everything will become clear in due course. “I have never said anything of the sort,” he said in response to reports that he was upset with top BJP leaders for not reaching out to him. These are just idle speculations, as the saying goes.
