As Haryana prepares for its Assembly elections on October 5, with results expected on October 8, the Congress party is facing a challenging campaign marked by scrutiny over past unfulfilled promises. With Congress contesting 89 of the 90 assembly seats—leaving the Bhiwani seat to the CPI(M)—the party’s strategy to reclaim power after a decade in the opposition is at a critical juncture.
Congress’ Unfulfilled Promises in Rajasthan
Congress’ campaign is under significant strain due to its history of unmet promises. In Rajasthan, Rahul Gandhi’s pledge to waive farmers’ loans within ten days of Congress forming the government remains unfulfilled. This failure has led to growing dissatisfaction among voters and contributed to the BJP’s victory in the 2023 elections.
Himachal Pradesh: Echoes of Rajasthan’s Issues
Similar issues are visible in Himachal Pradesh, where Congress’ promises during the November 2022 Assembly elections remain unmet. Priyanka Gandhi’s commitment to provide employment for one lakh youth and a monthly pension of Rs 1500 for women has not been realized, despite the initiation of the Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi Yojana. Government employees, including state electricity pensioners, are also facing issues with overdue payments and have threatened to escalate their protests to the Election Commission if their dues are not settled by December 31.
Political Dynamics and Alliances in Haryana
In Haryana’s political arena, various alliances and individual candidates are shaping the electoral landscape. BJP’s Kanwaljit Ajrana has withdrawn from the Pehowa seat, while INLD-Halopa has formed an alliance impacting several constituencies. The JJP-ASP has released its candidate list for Karnal, and Bhupinder Singh Hooda’s financial status and legal issues are under scrutiny. Notable contests include BJP’s Lilaram Gurjar against Congress’ Aditya Surjewala in Kaithal, and BJP’s Shyam Singh Rana versus Congress’ Bishan Lal Saini in Radaur. Additionally, BJP’s Ambala Mayor Captain Abhimanyu will challenge Congress’ Pradeep Chaudhary in Kalka. The AAP has also announced its fifth list of nine candidates for the elections.
Amidst these developments, Congress has accused the BJP of dissolving the Haryana Assembly to obscure its lack of majority. Former Deputy CM Dushyant Chautala has pointed out internal rifts within Congress and noted public support for JJP.
