Independent Candidates Shake Up Haryana Elections
In the run-up to the Haryana assembly elections, the political landscape is becoming increasingly competitive, particularly as numerous candidates from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress have chosen to contest as independents. These individuals, feeling overlooked after being denied tickets from their respective parties, are campaigning vigorously and positioning themselves as potential ‘kingmakers’ in the elections.
The Rise of Independent Candidates
Despite efforts from both the BJP and Congress to persuade some of these independent candidates to withdraw their nominations, many remain steadfast in their decision to run against official party nominees. Among these hopefuls is Savitri Jindal, recognized as Asia’s richest woman and chair of the OP Jindal Group. Jindal is making her political comeback against Haryana minister and sitting MLA Kamal Gupta from Hisar.
Savitri Jindal: A Legacy of Service
Aged 74, Jindal has a history of civic service, having been elected as an MLA from Hisar as a Congress candidate in both 2005 and 2009. She served as a minister in the government of Bhupinder Singh Hooda in 2013. After her son, Naveen Jindal, joined the BJP, she distanced herself from the Congress in March, hoping to secure a candidacy from the BJP—a hope that did not materialize. Jindal stated, “The Jindal family has always served Hisar. I am committed to meeting the expectations of the people and completing the unfinished work for the community.”
Political Frustrations Fueling Independent Campaigns
Ranjit Singh Chautala, son of former Deputy Prime Minister Devi Lal, is another notable figure contesting as an independent in Rania, Sirsa district, following a fallout with the BJP over ticket allocation. Additionally, Chitra Sarwara, the daughter of political confidant Nirmal Singh, has also declared her candidacy as an independent from Ambala Cantonment, pitted against experienced political figures Anil Vij and Parvinder Singh Pari.
The Challenge for Established Parties
Former Haryana BJP youth cell convener Naveen Goyal expressed discontent with his party’s approach, claiming many long-time party workers felt sidelined after being denied tickets. He passionately highlighted that “voters are angry with the party for fielding an outsider” in Gurugram, where he has dedicated 15 years to public service. Many independent candidates are banking on this dissatisfaction to sway electoral fortunes in their favor.
Potential Impact of Dissatisfaction on Election Results
The dissatisfaction remains widespread among BJP supporters, with notable figures like Devendra Kadiyan, Jilhe Ram Sharma, and Deepak Dagar stepping into the fray as independents. The Congress party is bracing for even tougher challenges, as a staggering 29 disgruntled candidates are contesting independently across various constituencies, further complicating their electoral prospects.
Table: Key Independent Candidates in Haryana Elections
| Name | Constituency | Previous Affiliation |
|---|---|---|
| Savitri Jindal | Hisar | Congress |
| Ranjit Singh Chautala | Rania (Sirsa) | BJP |
| Chitra Sarwara | Ambala Cantonment | Congress |
| Naveen Goyal | Gurugram | BJP |
Conclusion
As Haryana approaches its assembly elections, the emergence of so many independent candidates highlights growing disenchantment within the established parties. This evolving scenario sets the stage for a potentially dynamic electoral outcome, with these independent leaders aiming to influence the future political landscape of Haryana significantly.
