Haryana's Lok Sabha Elections Pose Fresh Challenges For BJP Amidst Changing Political Landscape

All 10 Lok Sabha seats in Haryana will go to polls on May 25. This election is a big challenge for the BJP in the state. The BJP has been performing well in the last two elections and has been in power for almost a decade. However, recent setbacks have made the situation more difficult.

The five-year-old BJP-JJP alliance broke up, and three independent MLAs withdrew their support from the Manohar Lal Khattar government. The government was saved with the support of three MLAs from the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP). However, the road to the Lok Sabha elections does not seem easy this time.

Photo Credit: PTI

In 2019, the BJP had won all 10 seats in Haryana. In 2014, it had won 7 seats. The BJP had a landslide victory in Haryana in 2019. Nationalism was high among the people after the airstrike in Balakot, Pakistan, in response to the terrorist attack in Pulwama. The Modi factor was very dominant then.

The BJP's victory was so big that the winning margin of its candidates in each seat was more than 3.5 lakh votes. This time, several challenges have emerged for the BJP. The political situation and equations in the state have changed considerably over the last five years.

The consolidation of Jats, the farmers' movement, and concerns over the Agniveer scheme are significant challenges for the BJP. Former CM and Congress veteran Bhupinder Hooda is still a big leader among Jats, who constitute about 24% of Haryana's population. They are mainly dependent on agriculture, and their youth are also among the priorities for recruitment in the army.

In 2019, the BJP received open support from Jats due to Balakot. However, this time, apart from other issues, the performance of female wrestlers is also a big issue for them. The Congress is hopeful of getting Jat's support this time.

Political analysts believe that the consolidation of Jats against the BJP may lead to the consolidation of other castes in its favour. The BJP feels it can maintain its previous performance with support from OBC, Brahmin, Baniya, Gurjar, Dalit, and Punjabi voters.

The BJP's appointment of OBC face Naib Singh Saini as Chief Minister is part of this strategy. Manohar Lal Khattar is a Punjabi and has played a role in promoting Naib. The BJP has taken care of social equations in ticket distribution.

This time, the BJP has not given tickets to its 6 incumbent MPs in Haryana. The party has given two tickets each to candidates from Jat, Brahmin, and Dalit communities. One candidate each has been chosen from Yadav, Gurjar, Punjabi, and Baniya communities.

The Congress has also emphasized social equations in ticket distribution. The Congress is contesting 9 seats in Haryana this time. Its ally Aam Aadmi Party is contesting one seat in the India Block. The Congress has changed candidates in 8 seats.

Last time, the party relied on 3 Jat candidates but has given tickets to only 2 Jats this time. The Congress has given tickets to 2 Dalits and 2 Punjabis each and one ticket each to Yadav, Gurjar, and Brahmin candidates.