New Delhi: Two-time Ferozepur MLA Sukhpal Singh Nannu on Thursday quit the BJP, citing the death of farmers during the agitation against the Centre's farm laws. Nannu had won twice as a BJP candidate from Ferozepur city in 2002 and 2007. However, he lost to Congress's Parminder Singh Pinky in 2012 and 2017.

Addressing the media at his residence, Nannu said due to the death of several farmers during the ongoing agitation against the farm laws, his supporters were upset and forced him to take some decisions ahead of the 2022 Assembly polls.

Refuting speculations of joining the Shiromani Akali Dal, Nannu said he is not going to join any party right now. "I will only follow what my workers say," he added.

Earlier, Anil Sareen, Punjab BJP spokesperson, had tried to persuade Nannu not to leave the party. Sareen had a closed-door meeting with him. However, Nannu did not budge and resigned from the party.

Nannu alleged state BJP president Ashwani Sharma should be held responsible for the present scenario.  He said, "The top leadership of Punjab did not present the right picture to the central high command. I was the first one who opposed those Bills."

He added that in few states these are beneficial while in states like Punjab, these are destructive. In an emotional tone, Nannu said his father had joined the saffron outfit 54 years ago in the presence of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Earlier, Nannu had released a press note in which he thanked his supporters for their "unflinching love and support". He said though his supporters always stood by him like a rock, due to the "betrayal" of some fellow BJP leaders, he could not win a third consecutive term in the assembly.

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