Vice-president of Indian National Lok Dal Ashok Arora resigned on Tuesday, along with his supporters, from the primary membership of the party. He announced his decision at a meeting attended by his supporters and associates at the 'Punjabi Dharmsala' in Kurukshetra.

With a political career of over 35 years, Arora had been the president of INLD's Haryana unit for more than 20 years.

Addressing the workers, Arora said he was leaving the party with a heavy heart as INLD patriarch Om Prakash Chautala had given him love and affection equal to his own sons. He added that political circumstances have forced him to take this decision.

'In the present political scenario, regional parties do not have much role to play. So, joining a national party has become the need of the hour,' he said.

Arora said he would meet Chautala and seek forgiveness for resigning from the party and also ask for blessings for his future political career.

There were reports that Arora may join the Congress. However, when questioned, Arora said he would take the decision after assessing all the aspects.

According to political observers, if Arora joined any party other than the BJP, it would not only affect the results in assembly segments of Kurukshetra district but many other constituencies in the state as he was considered a strong leader of the Punjabi community.

The INLD has been going through rough times ever since the party split.

Arora was elected four times from Thanesar constituency. Besides being a senior minster in Chautala's cabinet, he was the speaker of the Haryana Legislative Assembly.

The assembly polls in Haryana are slated for October this year.