The Congress, buoyed by its success in the Lok Sabha elections where it won five parliamentary seats, was anticipating a landslide victory. However, the BJP, under the leadership of Nayab Singh Saini, has made a strong comeback.
If the early trends persist, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is set to make history by securing a record third consecutive term in Haryana. Despite facing 10 years of anti-incumbency and initially appearing out of the race, the saffron party has overtaken the Congress. The Congress had been banking on a landslide victory, buoyed by its success in the Lok Sabha elections where it won five parliamentary seats. However, the BJP, under the leadership of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, has staged a remarkable comeback.
The Congress had pinned its hopes on the discontent among farmers, wrestlers, and youth upset with the Agniveer scheme, but none of these factors seemed to have significantly impacted the BJP’s prospects.
Nayab Singh Saini, who took office just months before the election, appears to have mended the damage many believed was caused by his predecessor, Manohar Lal Khattar. Khattar was seen as a leader under whom the BJP had little chance of reclaiming the state. If the BJP secures a victory, credit will go not only to the party’s strategy of consolidating votes from non-dominant castes but also to Chief Minister Saini, who worked tirelessly to stem the decline after the party’s setback in the Lok Sabha elections.
Shortly after becoming chief minister, Saini introduced a series of welfare schemes aimed at winning back voters from poorer sections. For instance, he launched a program allowing underprivileged people to receive free medical tests at empanelled private laboratories, in addition to government hospitals. An official statement after the scheme’s launch called it a “landmark decision” that would benefit millions.
Almost every poll had dismissed the saffron party’s chances, with the Congress appearing most favored to win following the Lok Sabha results. However, if the BJP manages to return to power, it will make history in Haryana, as no other party has achieved three consecutive terms.
To boost its fortunes, the BJP also enlisted senior leaders Dharmendra Pradhan and former Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Deb to work in Haryana. They focused on social engineering and maintaining a balance in caste arithmetic. Reports indicate that the saffron party also supported several independents to undermine Congress.
As of 11:45 am, the trends show the BJP leading in 50 seats, an increase of 10 seats from its previous tally—an impressive turnaround for a party that seemed to be facing defeat just a few weeks ago.
