As Haryana gears up for its Assembly elections on October 1, 2024, political parties are busy finalizing their strategies and candidates in a race that promises to be intense and closely contested. With barely two weeks remaining, the spotlight is on the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the resurgent Congress party, each preparing for a pivotal battle that could shape the future of the state’s governance.
The Political Landscape: BJP vs. Congress
In the recent Lok Sabha elections, the BJP faced a notable setback, losing five of Haryana’s parliamentary seats. This was a significant shift from their previous dominance, where they had won all 10 seats in the state. The Congress, on the other hand, made a remarkable comeback, regaining five seats after a five-year hiatus. This resurgence has given the Congress a renewed edge and optimism as they prepare for the Assembly elections.
For the BJP, the challenge is to reclaim its footing in a state where it currently leads in 44 out of 90 Assembly segments, according to the latest extrapolations. However, the ground reality has shifted since the last Assembly polls. Despite their Lok Sabha sweep five years ago, the BJP faltered in the state Assembly elections, failing to secure the majority mark of 46 and settling at 40 seats. The loss of several key ministers, including Ram Bilas Sharma and Captain Abhimanyu, marked a significant blow to the party’s standing in the state.
Congress’ Strategy: Reinforcement and Outreach
The Congress party, buoyed by its recent success, is already in full gear with its public connect programs. Spearheaded by prominent leaders such as Rohtak MP Deepender Hooda and Sirsa MP Kumari Selja, the Congress is focusing on grassroots outreach to consolidate its gains and build a strong electoral base. Bhupinder Singh Hooda, the Leader of the Opposition, and Udai Bhan, the state Congress president, are also leading separate initiatives aimed at strengthening the party’s presence across Haryana.
BJP’s Tactical Meeting and Key Focus Areas
The BJP is set to hold a crucial strategy meeting in New Delhi on Saturday to finalize its approach for the upcoming elections. This meeting will be pivotal in addressing the party’s recent challenges and strategizing effectively to secure a favorable outcome. The BJP’s focus will likely include reinforcing its base, addressing local issues, and countering the Congress’ resurgence with a well-defined campaign strategy.
Other Contenders: AAP, JJP, and INLD
While the BJP and Congress dominate the headlines, other parties like the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Jannayak Janta Party (JJP), and Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) are also in the fray. The AAP currently leads in four Assembly segments, but both the JJP and INLD have yet to secure a leading position. Their performance in these elections could influence the overall dynamics and potentially play a role in the formation of a coalition government.