Key Battle In Sirsa: Congress Faces Off Against Gopal Kanda As BJP Opts Out

In Sirsa, a key electoral contest is shaping up between the Congress and Gopal Kanda's Haryana Lokhit Party (HLP), as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) decides to stay out of the race.

The BJP's choice not to field a candidate has fueled accusations from the Congress of indirectly backing Kanda, the sitting MLA and HLP chief, who has previously allied with the NDA in Haryana. This unusual absence of a BJP candidate in Sirsa, a rare occurrence in the 90-seat Haryana assembly, highlights the complex web of political alliances and rivalries in this election.

Adding to the intrigue, the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), traditionally a rival to both the BJP and Congress, has also opted not to contest in Sirsa, instead lending its support to Kanda. This was underscored by INLD senior leader Abhay Singh Chautala's active campaigning for Kanda, further intensifying the already intricate political landscape of the constituency.

The Congress, however, accuses Kanda of misleading voters by claiming INLD's support while purportedly maintaining close ties with the BJP, as indicated by a BJP flag reportedly seen atop his residence.

Gokul Setia, the Congress candidate, has voiced concerns over the BJP's withdrawal of its candidate, Rohtash Jangra, on September 16, suggesting it was a tactical move to consolidate anti-Congress votes in favor of Kanda. Setia, who narrowly lost to Kanda in the 2019 assembly elections as an independent candidate, has critiqued Kanda's political maneuvers and affiliations, emphasizing the voters' ability to discern the real contenders in the fray.

Kanda's political journey has been marked by controversy, including his resignation as the minister of state for home following the Geetika Sharma suicide case and his subsequent acquittal in 2023.

In the lead-up to the elections, both Kanda and Setia have been vigorously campaigning across Sirsa. Kanda has pledged to attract industries to the region, promising job creation for the youth. He also highlighted his efforts during the coronavirus pandemic, including the rapid establishment of a 150-bed hospital. Kanda's commitment to Sirsa's development and to standing by its people was a focal point of his campaign message.

Conversely, Setia has focused on addressing local issues such as the lack of a multi-speciality hospital, inadequate access to clean drinking water, and the drug problem plaguing the area. He has accused other parties of engaging in selfish politics at the expense of the Congress, asserting that the electorate is poised to vote for change. Setia's campaign has resonated with many in Sirsa, leading him to claim that his growing support is causing concern among those "living in palaces," a veiled reference to Kanda.

With the election poised for October 5 and results due on October 8, the contest in Sirsa symbolizes not just a battle for a legislative seat but a test of political alliances and the ability of candidates to sway the electorate amidst shifting political loyalties. Despite the presence of 11 other candidates, the main contention remains squarely between the HLP and Congress, highlighting the highly polarized nature of this electoral fight.

As Sirsa prepares to cast its votes, the strategies employed by both Kanda and Setia, along with the broader political machinations at play, underscore the significance of this constituency in the Haryana assembly elections. The outcome will not only determine Sirsa's representative but also reflect the political undercurrents influencing Haryana's political landscape.