Priyanka Gandhi's close aide Tajinder Singh Bittu joins BJP
What's the story
Tajinder Singh Bittu, a close associate of Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, has joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) hours after resigning from the Congress. In a letter addressed to Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, Bittu announced his departure from the party and his role as the All India Congress Committee (AICC) secretary co-incharge of Himachal Pradesh. "With heavy heart, after 35 years, I resign from the Congress party," Biitu wrote in a Facebook post.
Party switch
Bittu's transition to BJP amidst Lok Sabha elections
Bittu's shift to the BJP was formalized at the party's headquarters in Delhi, with Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and party general secretary Vinod Tawde present. This significant change comes during a critical period, as India is currently conducting its Lok Sabha elections. The first phase of these elections took place on Friday, covering 102 constituencies across 21 states and union territories.
Twitter Post
Bittu joined BJP in Delhi
#WATCH | Tajinder Singh Bittu, who resigned from Congress today, joins BJP at the party headquarters in Delhi in the presence of Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and party general secretary Vinod Tawde
— ANI (@ANI) April 20, 2024
Tajinder Singh Bittu resigned from his post of AICC Secretary In-Charge… pic.twitter.com/LaTBgI315v
Resignation impact
Phase 2 will take place on April 26
Phase two will take place on April 26 for 88 seats in 12 states, followed by Phase three on May 7 for 94 seats in 13 states. Phase four will take place on May 13, covering 96 seats across 10 states. Phase five, on May 20, will cover 49 seats in eight states; Phase six, on May 25, will cover 57 seats in seven states; and Phase seven, on June 1, will cover 57 seats in eight states.