loader
Voters Rise Above Caste, Community, or Religion Divides, Focus on Real Issues

Voters Rise Above Caste, Community, or Religion Divides, Focus on Real Issues

Haryana's electorate showcases maturity, rejects divisive narratives based on caste and religion in Lok Sabha polls.

Representational Image

In a display of remarkable political awareness, the people of Haryana have risen above the divisive tactics of caste and religion during the recent Lok Sabha elections. They have chosen to cast their votes based on the candidates' track records and performance, rather than succumbing to the narrow narratives of caste, community, or religion. 

Moving Past the Jat-Non-Jat Divide

Haryana, known for its communal harmony and brotherhood among its 36 communities, witnessed an unprecedented rift between the Jat and non-Jat communities after the Jat reservation agitation in 2016. This division had cast its shadow over previous elections, including the 2019 Lok Sabha and Assembly polls. However, the state's electorate has now shown a fine sense of judgement, rejecting such divisive tactics. 

Rejecting Narratives, Focusing on Real Issues

According to political experts, the people of Haryana have rejected the narratives pitting Hindus against Muslims and Jats against non-Jats. Instead, they wanted leaders to address issues that directly impact their lives, such as rising prices, unemployment, farmers' conditions, and the Agnipath scheme, rather than dwelling on divisive topics like the construction of the Ram Temple or the abolition of Article 370.

Opposition Lauds Voters' Wisdom

Bhupinder Singh Hooda, the two-time Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition, has applauded the voters of Haryana for not falling into the trap laid by the BJP. He expressed gratitude to the residents for refusing to be misled by divisive tactics based on caste and religion. 

Ahirwal Belt's Loyalty to BJP

While the overall trend in Haryana favored the Congress, the Ahirwal belt comprising the Gurugram-Rewari-Mahendragarh region remained loyal to the BJP. BJP candidates won in both the Gurugram and Bhiwani-Mahendragarh constituencies, although their margins of victory have decreased significantly. Political analysts attribute this to the lingering "Modi factor" in the region, albeit with a sharp decline in the BJP's vote share, ringing alarm bells for the saffron party. 

The Lok Sabha elections in Haryana have showcased the electorate's maturity and their ability to see through divisive narratives. By focusing on candidates' performance and real issues, the voters have set an example for others to follow. As the state gears up for future elections, this trend of prioritizing development over divisiveness bodes well for Haryana's progress and social harmony.

Join The Conversation Opens in a new tab
×