BJP Shifts Focus Away from Khattar in Haryana Election Campaign 

In a surprising turn of events, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) seems to be distancing itself from former Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar as it gears up for the upcoming state Assembly elections. This shift in strategy, as reported by The Haryana Story, is seen as an attempt to counter anti-incumbency and secure an unprecedented third term in the state. 

Khattar's Conspicuous Absence

The most noticeable change in the BJP's campaign is Khattar's absence from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent rallies in Sonepat and Kurukshetra. Party insiders, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that this decision was deliberate, aimed at minimizing the "negativity" associated with Khattar's nine-and-a-half-year tenure as Chief Minister.

A senior BJP leader explained, "There was no need for Khattar's presence in Sonepat yesterday as his presence would not stand the party in good stead in the Jat-dominated Assembly segments." This absence is particularly striking given that Khattar is the MP from the neighboring Karnal Lok Sabha seat. 

New Faces, New Strategy 

The BJP has replaced Khattar with Nayab Singh Saini, an OBC face, as the Chief Minister and the party's Chief Ministerial candidate for the upcoming elections. This move is seen as an attempt to appeal to the over 30% OBC voters in the state. 

Despite downplaying Khattar's role, the party continues to campaign on the strength of his "No parchi, no kharchi" (no cash for jobs) policy and good governance principles. However, Khattar's photo is noticeably missing from campaign materials and posters, even in his own constituency. 

Opposition's Response

The Congress has been quick to seize on this apparent sidelining of Khattar. Shamsher Singh Gogi, former MLA and Congress candidate from Assandh, commented, "If the BJP is so proud of their governance, why is their former CM missing from the posters? This is clearly an admission of the failure of his nine-and-a-half-year tenure." 

BJP's Three-Pronged Approach

Despite the challenges, the BJP remains confident in its strategy. The party is focusing on three key areas:

1. Consolidating the non-Jat, backward, and Punjabi vote 

2. Capitalizing on the apparent division within the Congress 

3. Countering the influence of AAP in its Kurukshetra stronghold 

As the October 5 Assembly poll approaches, all eyes are on the BJP's new strategy. Will distancing itself from Khattar and promoting new leadership be enough to secure a third term? Only time will tell.

The Haryana Story is committed to bringing you the latest political developments from the state. Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving story.