On Badli seat, the BJP has fielded Om Prakash Dhankar, a former Haryana BJP president, a key Jat leader. Served as a former state minister. Dhankar, who won this seat in 2014, lost in 2019 to Congress rival Kuldeep Vats.
Dhankar, 63, was replaced as the state unit president last year by Saini, who was then a Lok Sabha MP from Kurukshetra.
Jat make up about 23% of Haryana population, which underscores the importance of leaders like Dhankar. BJP has traditionally had a weak link with the Jats.
After being replaced by Saini, Dhankar was appointed the party’s national secretary. President of BJP Kisan Morcha twice consecutively in 2011-2013 and 2013-2015.
Associated with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh since 1978. Worked for the Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad for 16 years from 1980 -1966. Congress rival Kuldeep Vats will put a fight to defend his seat.