Haryana Assembly Elections 2024 Overview
The Haryana Assembly elections are set to take place on October 5, 2024, marking a significant moment for over two crore eligible voters in the state. As the ruling party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) aims to secure a third consecutive term in power, while the Congress party strives to regain leadership after a decade in opposition. The counting of votes is scheduled for October 8, alongside the results for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections.
Campaign Dynamics
As the election campaign concluded on Thursday, October 3, major political parties—including the BJP, Congress, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Indian National Lok Dal-Bahujan Samaj Party (INLD-BSP), and Jananayak Janata Party (JJP)-Azad Samaj Party—held a final push, engaging voters through rallies and public meetings. Chief Electoral Officer Pankaj Aggarwal confirmed that voting would occur in a single phase across 90 assembly constituencies from 7 AM to 6 PM, with a total of 20,629 polling stations established for the elections.
Election Campaign Restrictions
After 6 PM on October 3, no political gatherings or rallies were permitted, as per the guidelines issued by the Election Commission. The BJP focused its campaign on the accomplishments of its “double engine” governance model, effectively critiquing the Congress on issues such as reservation policies, corruption, and dynastic politics. Women’s rights, youth empowerment, agricultural support, and poverty alleviation were key issues highlighted in the manifestos of competing parties.
Key Figures and Rallies
Prominent political leaders played critical roles in the final days of campaigning. High-profile figures included Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Bhupendra Singh Hooda, BJP’s Yogi Adityanath, and JJP’s Dushyant Chautala, each rallying for their respective parties. Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed four rallies, attacking the opposition on various fronts.
Prime Minister Modi’s Appeal
During his campaign, PM Modi motivated voters by emphasizing their patriotism and labeling Congress as ‘divisive.’ He urged the electorate to favor a government that contributes positively to India’s strength and unity. Modi expressed confidence that the enrollment driven by the BJP’s development initiatives would lead to their victory, asserting, “Patriotic people of Haryana will never accept the divisive politics of Congress.”
Attacks on the Opposition
In his campaign rhetoric, PM Modi targeted the Gandhi family and former Chief Minister Hooda, implying that Congress represents a legacy of corruption and nepotism. He reinforced the belief that the Congress party could not provide stable governance. The Prime Minister highlighted the internal conflict within Congress, suggesting it undermined their capacity to lead effectively.
Community Concerns and BJP’s Promises
PM Modi addressed the concerns of the backward and Dalit communities in Haryana, referring to Congress’s failure to address caste violence and its leaders’ remarks regarding the abolition of reservation policies. This sentiment, combined with the BJP’s promises for socio-economic development across all segments, resonated with voters. The mantra emerging from the campaign was clear: “Trust from the heart, BJP again.”
Conclusion
The Haryana Assembly elections represent a crucial juncture in the political landscape of the state. With the BJP seeking to extend its incumbency and the Congress aiming for a comeback, the election outcome will significantly influence Haryana’s governance and policymaking in the coming years. As the electoral processes unfold, all eyes will be on the electorate’s response to the campaigns presented by the various parties involved.
