Haryana Polls: BJP Calls On RSS To Regain Rural Votes Amid Anti-Incumbency

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Haryana faced a significant challenge as it saw its vote share dwindle from the 2014 Assembly elections to those in 2019, and a further decline was observed in its Lok Sabha vote share from 2019 to 2024. This dip in popularity was especially marked in the rural constituencies, leading to an increased vote share for the Congress party, which triumphed in 45 rural assembly segments during the Lok Sabha elections. In an attempt to reverse this trend, the BJP, with the backing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), embarked on a campaign focused on reconnecting with the rural electorate and revitalizing its base of grassroots workers, who had shown signs of dissatisfaction under the leadership of the then Chief Minister, Manohar Lal Khattar.

The RSS, recognizing the urgency of addressing the BJP's declining rural support, took proactive steps by launching a voter outreach initiative in September. This program aimed at reinforcing the party's foundation by mobilizing volunteers across districts to engage directly with rural voters, resolve their grievances, and promote the state government's schemes. The appointment of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini was a strategic move to enhance engagement with rural communities, particularly addressing the concerns of Khap and Panchayat leaders as well as dissatisfied party MLAs. This approach was part of a broader strategy to address the discontent brewing among the rural populace due to perceived neglect by the Khattar administration.

The RSS's internal report from August shed light on the growing dissatisfaction with Khattar's governance, suggesting that his eventual removal did not occur soon enough to create a significant positive shift for the party. The report criticized Khattar's leadership, noting his failure to effectively manage the state bureaucracy and maintain meaningful connections with grassroots workers and local leaders. Despite recommendations for his early replacement, substantial changes within the Chief Minister's Office were lacking, even after his departure.

Efforts to rejuvenate the party's image and regain voter trust included prioritizing candidates with strong voter bases for the upcoming elections, even if they had affiliations with other parties in the past. The aim was to integrate these so-called 'turncoats' smoothly with the BJP's existing workers, emphasizing the party's narrative of corruption-free governance. Despite some resistance, including backlash against Saini in his own constituency, the campaign highlighted government initiatives providing employment opportunities for retired Agniveers and other achievements of the party.

In a strategic shift, the BJP also aimed to capitalize on internal divisions within the Congress party and hoped that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) would fragment the anti-BJP vote in some areas. A conscious effort was made to distance the party from Khattar during the campaign, particularly in regions with a dominant Jat population, to dilute the anti-incumbency sentiment. Khattar's conspicuous absence from key campaign materials and rallies was a deliberate move to refresh the party's image in the lead-up to the Assembly elections.

The BJP's multifaceted strategy to reclaim its lost ground in Haryana, focusing on rural outreach, internal restructuring, and a calculated campaign narrative, reflects its acknowledgment of the challenges it faces and its determination to address them. By distancing itself from the controversies of the past and emphasizing its achievements and future promises, the party aims to restore its appeal among the rural electorate and navigate the complexities of regional politics with a renewed focus and strategy.