Multi-pronged contest in Haryana assembly polls:India Bloc has edge

A multi-cornered contest is expected in the elections for Haryana's 90-member Assembly, with Aam Aadmi Party, Indian National Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party, Jannayak Janata Party and Indian National Lok Dal all fielding candidates in the fray. Congress seems to be banking on the Jat and Dalit communities to bring in votes. The Jat community, which constitutes about 25 percent of Haryana's population, and the Dalit community, making up nearly 20 percent, are crucial in this electoral battle. Congress leaders are working to secure support from these groups, recognising their significant influence on the election results. Meanwhile, BJP seems to be banking on support from non-Jat communities, including OBC, Punjabis and Brahmins, in Haryana to return to power for a third term. Earlier this year, the BJP selected Nayab Singh Saini, a prominent OBC leader, to be the Chief Minister in place of Manohar Lal Khattar. This seems to be part of its effort to shore up support within OBC communities in the state, where OBCs make up 35 percent of the population. In a blow, former Minister and BJP Haryana OBC Morcha president Karan Dev Kamboj joined the Congress on September 13, accusing the BJP of treating the backward community as a mere vote bank, but not willing to give rights to them. This might hurt the party's electoral prospects in the GT Karnal Road belt, considered its stronghold, comprising Kurukshetra, Yamuna Nagar, Karnal, and Panipat districts. Meanwhile, the 2024 Lok Sabha elections marked a decisive turn, with the INDIA bloc, comprising Congress and AAP, successfully consolidating the Jat vote, securing 64 per cent of it, while the BJP's share dropped to 27 per cent. This shift suggests growing discontent among Jats with the BJP, possibly due to unresolved agrarian issues and perceived neglect of their interests. The INDIA bloc's success in 2024 highlights its ability to resonate with the community's concerns, positioning it as a formidable contender in the upcoming Assembly elections.