Even as the controversy over the absence of Union Minister of State Rao Inderjit Singh and his loyalist MLAs from a June 30 event in Bawal, Rewari district, continues to simmer, another political row surfaced during Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini’s programme at Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology (GJUST) in Hisar on Saturday.

Former Hisar MP Kuldeep Bishnoi left the venue before the main function, triggering speculation in political circles.

Bishnoi arrived at the university around 1 pm and initially accompanied the Chief Minister during various engagements on the campus. The two leaders visited Jambheshwar Bhawan, unveiled a statue of environmental icon Amrita Devi and participated in a plantation drive.

However, Bishnoi left the venue before the main function, which was held later in the university auditorium. Significantly, GJUST was established in 1995 by former Chief Minister Bhajan Lal, Bishnoi’s father.

Adding to the controversy, a dispute arose over the programme’s backdrop. While Bishnoi’s photograph was visible on the poster displayed before the event commenced, it was reportedly missing from the main backdrop during the function.

Mohit Sharma, an aide to Kuldeep Bishnoi, dismissed any political significance to the former MP’s departure. He said Bishnoi had to leave for Delhi and, since the programme started behind schedule, he left the venue according to his pre-decided schedule.