Haryana Polls: BJP vs INDIA - Who Holds the Edge Across 10 Seats?

The recently concluded Lok Sabha elections in Haryana witnessed a fierce battle between the BJP and the Congress-led INDIA alliance. With a 5.5% dip in voter turnout compared to previous polls, the fight for the 10 seats was intense, with at least 7 constituencies witnessing a close contest. The BJP, which had swept all seats in 2019, faced headwinds from the farmers' protest and a resurgent opposition. Let's delve into the key battlegrounds and the factors that could tilt the scales. 

Nail-biting Contests

Kurukshetra: Naveen Jindal's Tricky Fight 

BJP's Naveen Jindal found himself in a tough battle in Kurukshetra, where the farmers' protest played a significant role in shaping the electoral dynamics. Jindal faced a formidable challenge from INDIA's Dr. Sushil Gupta, backed by Congress heavyweights like former CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda.

Hisar: A Three-Way Tussle

The Hisar seat witnessed a three-cornered contest, with the BJP, Congress, INLD, and JJP candidates making it an intriguing battle. The BJP's Ranjit Chautala was pitted against his estranged sister-in-law Naina Chautala (JJP) and niece Sunaina Chautala (INLD), adding a personal touch to the political tussle. 

Karnal: Khattar's Historical Bid 

All eyes were on Karnal, where former CM Manohar Lal Khattar made a bid for history by contesting the Lok Sabha polls. Khattar, who had won the Karnal assembly seat in 2014 and 2019, aimed to create a record by transitioning to the national stage.

Sonipat: Hooda Factor Gives Edge to INDIA

In Sonipat, the battle was particularly intense as the Congress fielded Satpal Brahmachari, a close aide of former CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda, who hails from Jind district. The BJP's Mohan Lal Badoli also made it a tough fight, making the seat a potential game-changer.

Ambala: Rural Surge Worries BJP

In Ambala, the increased voter turnout in rural areas raised concerns for the BJP. Villages like Sadhaura, Mulana, Jagadhri, and Narayangarh witnessed over 70% polling, with the Congress holding sway in two of the assembly segments. The party's challenge intensified as even rural belts bordering Punjab recorded higher turnouts than urban centres. 

Rohtak: Deepender's Uphill Task

The Rohtak seat was crucial for Deepender Hooda, the Rajya Sabha MP and son of former CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda. In 2019, Deepender had narrowly lost to BJP's Dr. Arvind Sharma by a mere 7,500 votes. This time, lower voter turnout in Kosli, a traditional stronghold, added to the Congress's woes. 

Gurugram: Raj Babbar Banks on Meo Support 

In Gurugram, the Congress fielded Raj Babbar against BJP's Union Minister Rao Inderjit Singh. Babbar's hopes hinged on the Meo community's support, which had largely backed the Congress in the previous elections. 

Faridabad: Jat Votes Pose BJP Challenge

The Jat-dominated areas in Faridabad posed a challenge for the BJP, as the community had rallied behind the farmers' protest. The party faced difficulties in these regions, potentially benefiting the Congress's electoral prospects. 

Bhiwani-Mahendragarh: A Cliffhanger

In Bhiwani-Mahendragarh, the dip in voter turnout left both the BJP and the Congress worried. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi campaigning extensively, the low turnout added an element of uncertainty to the outcome.

Rural vs Urban Divide 

The rural-urban divide emerged as a crucial factor, with higher voter turnouts in villages potentially benefiting the Congress-led alliance due to the impact of the farmers' protest. Seats like Sirsa, Bhiwani-Mahendragarh, and Ambala witnessed this trend, adding to the BJP's worries.

Jat and Non-Jat Dynamics

The Jat and non-Jat vote dynamics also played a significant role in several constituencies. In Hisar, the division within the Chautala clan could impact the vote split, while in Faridabad, the BJP faced challenges in Jat-dominated areas due to the farmers' protest.

As the results unfold on June 4, these intense battles across Haryana's constituencies will determine the future political landscape of the state. The impact of the farmers' protest, caste dynamics, and the rural-urban divide will play a crucial role in shaping the electoral verdict, making Haryana a state to watch out for in this high-stakes electoral contest.