The political stage in Haryana is set for a high-stakes battle as over 2 crore voters are casting their votes today to elect 90 legislators in the state’s single-phase Assembly elections. The outcome will not only decide the fate of the current BJP government but also set the tone for the political future of several key leaders, including Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda, and Olympic wrestler-turned-Congress candidate Vinesh Phogat.
Voting commenced at 7 a.m. and will continue until 6 p.m., amid heavy security deployment of over 30,000 police officers and 225 paramilitary companies to ensure peaceful polling across the state.
BJP’s bid for a third term
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is seeking its third consecutive term, with Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini at the helm, having replaced Manohar Lal Khattar earlier this year. The BJP is focusing its campaign on the development initiatives undertaken during its tenure, which it believes have transformed the state’s infrastructure and governance.
Key Promises and Achievements:
-Parivar Pehchan Patra (PPP): One of the major schemes the BJP is banking on is the “Parivar Pehchan Patra,” which was launched to create a comprehensive database of households in Haryana to ensure the proper delivery of welfare schemes. The PPP allows the government to link all citizens’ social security schemes and benefits directly to their families.
-Ayushman Bharat: The BJP also highlighted the success of the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme, which has provided coverage to millions of families.
-Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao: The state saw an improvement in the sex ratio under this initiative, particularly in districts like Jhajjar and Rohtak, and this has been a cornerstone of BJP’s campaigns to woo women voters.
-Electricity and Water Supply: Another key focus for the BJP has been ensuring 24/7 electricity and better water management systems for agricultural and urban regions.
During the campaign, BJP has touted its development projects such as roads, schools, and healthcare facilities, alongside promises of job creation and support for farmers through schemes like the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi.
However, this election comes on the heels of the BJP-JJP alliance breaking down in early 2024, following the replacement of Khattar by Saini. The internal political shift within the party and the fallout of the once-strong alliance with the JJP has left the BJP with a significant challenge in the form of newly emerging alliances and rivalries.
Congress eyes a comeback after a decade in opposition
The Congress party, led by Bhupinder Singh Hooda, is aiming to make a significant comeback, having been out of power for the last decade. Hooda, a two-time Chief Minister of Haryana, remains a prominent figure, focusing his campaign on what he describes as the BJP’s “failure to deliver” on crucial issues such as unemployment, farmers’ distress, and deteriorating law and order.
Key Promises by Congress:
-NYAY (Minimum Income Guarantee): The Congress manifesto includes the implementation of a minimum income guarantee scheme, promising financial security for the economically weaker sections of society.
-Waiver of Farm Loans: The party has also promised to waive off loans for small and marginal farmers, a direct attempt to address the agrarian distress in Haryana’s rural belt.
-Youth and Employment: Another major focus of the Congress campaign is creating job opportunities for youth through state-level programs and pushing for better recruitment processes in government jobs.
-Education and Healthcare: Hooda and his team have committed to revamping the education and healthcare sectors, accusing the BJP of failing to provide quality services in these areas.
Congress’s strategy includes leveraging the popularity of its local candidates, such as Vinesh Phogat, who is contesting on a Congress ticket. Phogat’s candidacy adds a unique appeal to the younger generation and sports enthusiasts.
Regional Parties: The role of JJP and AAP as kingmakers
The Jannayak Janta Party (JJP), led by Dushyant Chautala, is also in the fray after its previous alliance with the BJP collapsed earlier this year. In 2019, the JJP emerged as a crucial player, winning 10 seats and forming a post-election alliance with the BJP to create a stable government.
However, the alliance’s fallout in 2024 has left the JJP to rebrand itself as an independent entity focused on the welfare of farmers, rural development, and youth empowerment. Dushyant Chautala’s party could once again play the role of kingmaker in the event of a hung assembly.
Meanwhile, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), led by Arvind Kejriwal, has been expanding its presence in Haryana. Though AAP remains a relatively new player in the state’s politics, it is contesting strategically in key constituencies with a focus on education and anti-corruption measures. Kejriwal’s campaign promises include replicating the “Delhi model” of governance, with improved public services in health and education.
Looking Back: 2019 assembly election
In the 2019 Assembly elections, the BJP secured 40 seats, falling short of a majority in the 90-member assembly. The Congress won 31 seats, and the JJP secured 10 seats. The BJP formed the government with the support of the JJP and a few independents. However, the internal tensions between the BJP and JJP culminated in the alliance’s collapse earlier this year.
The key factor in BJP’s 2019 success was its ability to consolidate votes in urban areas and among the middle-class electorate, while Congress retained its hold over rural voters, particularly in the Jat-dominated regions.
Voter demographics
As voters head to the polls, the Election Commission has deployed robust security measures across Haryana, with over 30,000 police officers and 225 paramilitary companies stationed throughout the state to ensure a peaceful voting process.
Haryana’s voter base consists of approximately 1.07 crore men, 95 lakh women, and 467 transgender voters, making it a crucial contest with a wide demographic spread. The turnout of rural voters, particularly farmers, women, and youth, is expected to play a pivotal role in determining the final outcome.
October 8 vote count
The counting of votes is scheduled for October 8, 2024, when the fate of 1,027 candidates, including the state’s political heavyweights, will be sealed. Whether the BJP manages to secure a third consecutive term or the Congress stages a comeback after a decade will be decided by the electorate’s response to the promises and performance of both parties.
For now, the state waits with bated breath to see who will emerge victorious in this tightly contested election and steer Haryana’s future for the next five years.
