Introduction
The Haryana assembly elections are set to take place on October 5, 2024, presenting a significant political contest. The shadow of the state’s influential political families, particularly the revered “Lals” of Haryana, Devi Lal, Bhajan Lal, and Bansi Lal, looms large over this election. With multiple descendants of these prominent leaders contesting against one another, the dynamics of the electoral battle have become particularly intriguing.
Political Background
Since Haryana gained statehood in 1966, the political landscape has been heavily influenced by these three figures. Devi Lal, affectionately known as “Tau” Devi Lal, served as the state’s chief minister and also held the position of deputy prime minister at the national level. Bhajan Lal and Bansi Lal also served as chief ministers, marking significant impacts on Haryana’s development and political direction.
Key Contestants in the 2024 Elections
Tosham Assembly Seat
In the Tosham assembly seat, located in the Bhiwani district, the competition will feature two grandsons of Bansi Lal. Anirudh Chaudhary, the former treasurer of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), will represent the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD). He will face off against his cousin, Shruti Chaudhary, who is the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate. Shruti is the daughter of prominent BJP leader Kiran Chaudhary and Bansi Lal’s late son Surendra Singh.
Dabwali Assembly Seat
The Dabwali seat in the Sirsa district is currently held by the Congress party and features another captivating showdown. Aditya Devi Lal, grandson of Devi Lal, will compete as the INLD candidate. He will run against Digvijay Singh Chautala from the Jannayak Janata Party (JJP), who is also a great-grandson of Devi Lal. Aditya’s entry into the INLD comes after he left the BJP, marking a pivotal shift in his political alignment.
Adampur Assembly Seat
In the Adampur constituency of Hisar district, Bhavya Bishnoi, grandson of Bhajan Lal, is contesting for the BJP. Currently serving as an MLA from Adampur, Bhavya’s campaign will likely be bolstered by his family legacy in Haryana politics.
Rania Assembly Seat
The Rania seat, also in Sirsa district, will witness Ranjit Singh Chautala, son of Devi Lal, running as an independent candidate after being denied a BJP ticket. He will be up against Arjun Chautala, also a great-grandson of Devi Lal, representing the INLD.
Alliances and Political Dynamics
The INLD is contesting the elections in alliance with the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), while the JJP is working alongside the Azad Samaj Party, led by Chandrashekhar Azad. This coalition of various political entities aims to consolidate votes against the BJP and Congress, which have traditionally dominated Haryana’s political landscape.
Candidate Dynamics
The familial ties within these political families are significant. Digvijay Singh Chautala, related to Aditya Devi Lal, shares a rivalry rooted in their grandfathers’ legacies. Both candidates project confidence in securing their respective seats, with each leveraging their family’s history to galvanize voter support.
Conclusion
The upcoming assembly elections in Haryana promise to be a fascinating contest, steeped in rich political history and family legacies. With members of the influential “Lal” families competing against each other, the outcomes could redefine political alliances and voter dynamics in the state. As voters head to the polls on October 5, the anticipation surrounding these contests continues to build, highlighting the importance of these elections in shaping Haryana’s political future.
