Voting for the 90 Assembly seats in Haryana commenced this morning without major incidents, although minor skirmishes were reported across different areas. During the heated election season, Haryana MLA Balraj Kundu, leader of the Haryana Jan Sevak Party, has accused former MLA Anand Singh Dangi of physically assaulting him and his personal assistant. The alleged incident took place at a polling booth in Meham, further intensifying the already volatile political atmosphere in the region.
An altercation occurred at polling booth No. 134 in the Maham Assembly constituency, involving Balraj Kundu, the chief of the Haryana Jan Seva Party, and Anand Singh Dangi. The clash took place while Kundu was overseeing operations at the booth. Tensions flared when Dangi’s supporters initiated an attack, leading to the tearing of Kundu’s personal assistant’s kurta.
In a video statement, Kundu recounted the confrontation, claiming that Dangi, a senior Congress leader, personally attacked him at booth number 134, located at the Madina bus stand. “Anand Singh Dangi is so rattled by the situation that he himself came to the polling booth to ensure everything was in his control. He tore my clothes and had me pushed around,” Kundu alleged while pointing to his personal assistant and adding, “This is the condition of my personal assistant.”
The Haryana Jan Sevak Party leader attributed the alleged assault to Dangi’s frustration over his electoral chances. “It’s the panic of his impending loss. Today, he’s thinking of causing another ‘Meham Kaand’,” Kundu stated, referring to the infamous 1990 political violence in Meham. “I appeal to the people of my constituency to maintain peace and not be swayed by his provocations. We must uphold peace and brotherhood during this election.”
The Shadow of ‘Meham Kaand’ Looms
The term Meham Kaand evokes strong emotions in Haryana, as it refers to the notorious 1990 by-election violence in the Meham constituency. The by-election, which saw a heated contest between Anand Singh Dangi and then-chief minister Om Prakash Chautala, was marred by widespread violence, rigging, and clashes between political supporters. The chaos resulted in multiple deaths, and serious allegations were made against Chautala’s administration for misuse of state machinery and rigging polling booths. The Meham Kaand became synonymous with political malpractice and continues to haunt the region’s political history.
Balraj Kundu’s reference to this event highlights the growing tensions in Meham as voting day approaches. Kundu, who parted ways with the BJP to form his own Haryana Jan Sevak Party, is locked in a fierce electoral battle against Dangi’s son, Balram Dangi, who is contesting the seat as the Congress candidate.
Rising Political Tensions Ahead of the Polling
The political landscape in Meham has become a battleground, with several high-profile candidates vying for victory. Kundu’s main rival, Balram Dangi, is carrying forward his father’s political legacy, but he faces stiff competition. Adding to the mix is Radha Ahlawat, the wife of rebel BJP leader Shamsher Singh Kharkara, and BJP’s Deepak Hooda, a former Indian kabaddi team captain.
The incident involving Kundu and Dangi comes at a crucial time, as voters in the region prepare to cast their ballots in the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections. Meham is a key constituency, and tensions have been running high as political leaders rally support.
Allegations and Appeals for Peace
Kundu’s accusations against Anand Singh Dangi have sparked a new controversy, with both sides trading blame for escalating tensions. Kundu’s appeal to his supporters to maintain peace is a direct call to prevent any outbreak of violence reminiscent of the 1990 by-election.
“This election is crucial for the future of Meham. We cannot allow violence to take control once again. I urge everyone to remain calm and focus on voting for progress and change,” Kundu emphasised in his statement.
Meanwhile, in a similar incident, violence erupted in the Hathin constituency of Palwal district, where independent candidate Kahar Singh Rawat’s convoy was attacked on Friday night. The incident adds to the increasing reports of violence and unrest in the run-up to the Haryana elections.
