In a significant victory, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is set to form the government in Haryana for the third consecutive term. The party secured over 5.54 million votes in the closely contested state elections, edging past the Congress, which garnered over 5.43 million votes. Although the difference between the two parties was a mere 1.18 lakh votes, BJP’s 39.94 per cent share of the total votes allowed it to win 12 more seats than Congress, which had a vote share of 39.09 per cent. The result has reinforced BJP’s hold on the state, even in the face of strong anti-incumbency sentiment and challenges posed by rival political forces.
Congress’ campaign on anti-incumbency and Jat discontent
Throughout the election campaign, the Congress attempted to leverage the anti-incumbency sentiment against the BJP, which had been in power for two consecutive terms. It also focused on the dissatisfaction within the influential Jat community, which had been vocal about its grievances against the ruling government. Congress leaders repeatedly emphasised these issues, hoping to sway voters, particularly in rural areas. However, while Congress was vocal in its criticism, the BJP’s strategists worked behind the scenes, quietly crafting a well-rounded electoral strategy to address the concerns of over 20 million voters in the state.
The BJP’s manifesto became the cornerstone of this strategy. It included 20 targeted promises aimed at various demographics, offering something for everyone, from women and the poor to young voters and farmers. The BJP’s promises ranged from financial assistance to women, affordable housing for the economically weaker sections, and subsidised LPG cylinders for households, to commitments for creating government jobs and enhancing pension schemes. These promises resonated across the voter spectrum, allowing BJP to maintain its political dominance in the state.
BJP’s 10 key promises to secure voter support
1. Financial Assistance to Women Voters
In a bid to win over the female electorate, BJP promised Rs 2,100 per month to around 7.8 million women in Haryana aged between 18 and 60. This was Rs 100 more than Congress’ promise of Rs 2,000 per month to the same demographic. The additional amount, while seemingly small, was a tactical move by the BJP to outshine Congress’ offer and secure the loyalty of women voters, who represent a significant portion of the electorate.
2. Subsidised LPG Cylinders
Under the “Har Ghar Grihini Yojana,” BJP pledged to provide LPG cylinders at a heavily subsidised rate of Rs 500 to approximately 4.9 million women across the state. These women are already beneficiaries of the Ujjwala Scheme, which provides gas connections to economically disadvantaged families. Under the new plan, women would initially pay the full amount for the cylinder, but the subsidy would be credited directly to their bank accounts. Congress, in its manifesto, also promised Rs 500 LPG cylinders, but the BJP’s plan to include direct subsidies gave it an edge in this highly competitive election.
3. Affordable Housing for the Poor
BJP’s manifesto included a commitment to provide housing to five lakh families with an annual income of up to Rs 1.8 lakh. This initiative was aimed at both urban and rural poor, offering them the chance to own a home. Congress, in comparison, promised plots of 100 square yards and two-room houses to around 3.08 lakh poor families, as part of its seven guarantees to the electorate.
4. Creation of Two Lakh Government Jobs
One of the key promises in BJP’s manifesto was to address the pressing issue of unemployment in Haryana by creating two lakh permanent government jobs. This promise was aimed at engaging the youth, a significant portion of whom are unemployed. The party also promised to create five lakh additional employment opportunities through various government initiatives. The manifesto highlighted that 6.53 lakh young voters, aged 18 to 19, would benefit from these initiatives, making this a critical part of the BJP’s strategy to win over the youth vote.
5. Free Medical Treatment for 1.09 Crore Citizens
BJP also promised to expand the existing Ayushman-Chirayu Scheme, which currently provides free medical treatment up to Rs 5 lakh. The party pledged to increase this limit to Rs 10 lakh per family, benefiting around 1.09 crore people in Haryana. Additionally, senior citizens over 70 years of age would receive an additional Rs 5 lakh in free medical coverage. The existing scheme has already been utilised by 15.54 lakh people over the past six years, with the state government spending over Rs 2,000 crore. The proposed increase in coverage was designed to appeal to middle-class families, particularly those dealing with rising healthcare costs.
6. Rail and Metro Infrastructure Projects
BJP’s manifesto also included ambitious infrastructure development plans that would require support from the central government. The party promised to construct an Orbital Rail Corridor along the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) Expressway, launch new Vande Bharat trains, and introduce rapid rail services. Additionally, BJP pledged to begin an intercity express metro service between Faridabad and Gurugram, which would benefit voters in districts like Palwal, Jhajjar, Bahadurgarh, and Sonipat. These promises were aimed at boosting the state’s transportation network and addressing the commuting challenges faced by residents of these rapidly growing urban areas.
7. Scholarships for Dalit and OBC Students
Recognising the importance of the Dalit and Other Backward Class (OBC) vote bank, which makes up 21 per cent of Haryana’s electorate, BJP promised full scholarships for Dalit and OBC students pursuing medical or engineering degrees in government colleges across India. The party also proposed to provide up to Rs 25 lakh in loans for OBC entrepreneurs, under the MUDRA scheme. These initiatives were designed to regain the support of these communities, many of whom had drifted away from BJP in the previous elections.
8. MSP for 24 Crops
Given that 80 per cent of Haryana’s population is engaged in agriculture, BJP’s manifesto included promises to purchase 24 crops at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). This was a key issue for farmers, who had raised concerns over declining agricultural incomes. The party also pledged to grant ownership rights to leaseholders, a long-standing demand among agricultural workers.
9. Welfare Boards for Smaller Backward Castes
In a move aimed at appealing to the smaller backward caste groups, BJP promised to establish separate welfare boards for various communities, with adequate funding to support their development. This included a commitment to create an international-level Aravalli Jungle Safari Park in South Haryana, a project that has been a dream initiative of former Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar.
10. Uncertain Pension Increase
While the BJP manifesto pledged to increase pensions for the elderly, disabled, and widows, it did not specify the exact amount of the increase. Currently, around 35 lakh people in Haryana receive a pension of Rs 3,000 per month. BJP promised to use a scientific formula to link pension increases with Dearness Allowance (DA), leaving voters with some uncertainty about how much their pensions would actually rise.
Financial cost of BJP’s promises
Fulfilling the promises made in BJP’s manifesto will require an estimated Rs 24,000 crore annually. However, the party has indicated that many of the schemes will be implemented in phases, allowing the government to manage the financial burden progressively.
