Introduction
The Haryana assembly elections are set to take place on October 5th, and the Uchana Kalan constituency is gearing up for an intense political battle. This constituency has become a high-stakes arena for two prominent political families with a history of rivalry: Dushyant Singh Chautala and Brijendra Singh. Both candidates represent significant political legacies and are determined to secure a win in this crucial election.
Political Rivalry in Uchana Kalan
On one side of this electoral contest is Dushyant Singh Chautala, a notable leader of the Jannayak Janata Party (JJP) and great-grandson of former Deputy Prime Minister Devi Lal. As the current MLA from Uchana Kalan and grandson of former Haryana Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala, Dushyant aims to secure victory for a second consecutive term.
His opponent, Brijendra Singh, is a seasoned politician with a strong administrative background. A former bureaucrat turned Congress candidate, he has moved away from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) earlier this year and is looking to challenge Dushyant’s stronghold over the constituency.
Key Historical Context
The Uchana Kalan constituency is situated in Jind district, which is widely regarded as a political bastion in Haryana. This constituency has historically been ruled by the Birendra Singh family, who have made their mark in the region’s politics for decades. Birendra Singh himself served as an MLA on five occasions from this seat.
In the 2014 elections, Dushyant Chautala lost to Brijendra’s mother, Prem Lata Singh, but in 2019, Dushyant turned the tables, defeating her by over 47,000 votes.
A Shifting Political Landscape
As Brijendra Singh campaigns for the Congress, he asserts that the main competition is actually against the BJP rather than Dushyant. He has expressed confidence in a “strong wave” of support for Congress in Haryana, indicating his optimism about winning with a larger mandate.
Recent Developments and Candidates
Candidate Profiles
| Candidate | Party | Background |
|---|---|---|
| Dushyant Singh Chautala | JJP | 36 years old, aiming for re-election, part of a prominent political lineage. |
| Brijendra Singh | Congress | 52 years old, former bureaucrat, holds a postgraduate degree in Public Policy from King’s College, London. |
| Devendra Chaturvedi Atri | BJP | 44 years old, new to assembly elections, has been active in community service for 13 years. |
Current Election Context
Dushyant Chautala is keen to reassert his influence in the Uchana Kalan constituency and has been vocal in criticizing his former ally, the BJP. He has pledged significant changes like 50% reservation for women in government roles and a monthly honorarium for Anganwadi workers. The JJP is also collaborating with the Azad Samaj Party for a unified front in the elections.
BJP’s candidate, Devendra Chaturvedi Atri, predicts a straightforward two-way race and emphasizes his commitment to the local community, highlighting infrastructural issues like the lack of a government college and sports facilities.
Conclusion
As the elections near, the stakes are high in Uchana Kalan. The results will not only impact the candidates directly involved but will also set the tone for the political landscape in Haryana for years to come. Voters in Uchana Kalan will have a crucial choice to make, one that could redefine the influence of powerful political families in the state.
