At Faridabad rally, independent candidate Bittu Bajrangi throws weight behind BJP

Also known as Rajkumar, he was arrested in connection with the violence in Nuh on July 31 last year. A video from the rally showed Bajrangi pushing the candidates aside and standing near MP Krishan Pal Gurjar to pose with the UP CM and other leaders.

Though it raised several eyebrows, the BJP said Bajrangi was at the event to extend his support to candidates. “Bittu Bajrangi has thrown his support behind Satish Phagna. He is a Hinduvati and is standing by the party that supports the cause,” said Rajkumar Vohra, BJP district head.

Bajrangi, meanwhile, said he has the right to support anyone he wants: “I have supported the BJP. I will help them win. It is my wish to campaign for who I want.”

Phagna, BJP’s pick from NIT Faridabad, said, “Bittu expressed his stand that he would help me win in front of Yogi ji. He is a leader of sanatana dharma and he said the BJP should win. This will help me improve vote share.”

Bajrangi has 12 cases against him. On if his criminal record could dent the party’s prospects, Vohra said Bajrangi was not a criminal: “He’s not accused of murder or sexual assault. He has been implicated as he is a gau rakshak. He’s always stood for Bharat Mata and the protection of the cow. On Saturday, he came to extend his support. We didn’t ask for it.”

A Congress leader in the district said Bajrangi was not popular among people. “He might have a social media following but he will not even get 100 votes.”

Bajrangi was arrested last August for his role in the July 31 Nuh violence that left six people dead; he was released on bail the same month. He heads a group called Gau Raksha Bajrang Force and had claimed to have earlier been part of VHP’s youth wing Bajrang Dal. After his brother’s death earlier this year from burns, after allegedly being set on fire last December, then Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar visited their home to express condolences.