As the assembly election in Haryana approaches, with Congress and BJP hoping to defeat each other in the poll-bound state, amidst all this, another party called AAP, is now looking to establish its crucial presence in an agricultural-rich state.
Despite the breakdown in seat-sharing negotiations between Congress and AAP, the latter hopes to win enough to emerge as a third force in a state, dominated by the politics of BJP and Congress. Hence, in the backdrop of the approaching Haryana elections, let’s examine AAP’s position within the state’s political landscape.
AAP’s Position In Haryana
Contesting the elections in 2014 Lok Sabha polls & 2019 Haryana assembly polls, the party did not manage to win seat in both the years respectively.
In 2014 general elections, AAP contested all 10 parliamentary seats. However, among the major parties, it performed the worst, with all its candidates forfeiting their security deposits. In this election, AAP candidates collectively secured only 4.89 lakh votes. Thus, representing just 4.2% of the total vote share.
Gurgaon’s AAP candidate Yogendra Yadav, who fought elections from Gurgaon seat finished fourth, with a margin of 79,452 votes.
Further, another AAP candidate Naveen Jaihind, who was earlier a member of Anna Hazare-led anti-corruption movement, contested from Rohtak seat, but it lost its seat to congress candidate Deepender Singh Hooda by over 4.4 lakh votes. Thus, all 10 AAP candidates in the state finished either fourth or fifth in their respective constituencies.
Subsequently in 2019 Haryana assembly elections, AAP decided to contest elections alone and the party contested 46 seats, but ultimately, it secured less than 1% of the total vote share.
Later in 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Aam Aadmi party contested the Kurukshetra seat in collaboration with Congress as part of the larger INDIA bloc.
Although AAP did not win, the notable rise in its vote share indicated increasing voter interest in the party.
While the increase was modest, it indicated that the party with congress’s partnership managed to establish its presence in Haryana, a state where the party has historically faced challenges in gaining support.
AAP In 2024 Haryana Elections
Meanwhile, after the breakdown of alliance talks with Congress, AAP is contesting the elections independently. The party has gained significant momentum in the final phase of campaigning, largely fueled by the release of former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal from jail, which has energized AAP’s efforts on the ground.
But according to political experts, AAP’s leadership has neglected the grassroots workers who initially helped build the party’s foundation in Haryana, a state where it previously had no foothold. Moreover, the party has opted to field “dummy” or “parachute” candidates, who lack local presence and voter appeal.
Hence, AAP’s success in the election is expected to depend largely on the campaign efforts of Arvind Kejriwal and other prominent leaders within the party.
Status Of AAP In Haryana
Meanwhile aiming to penetrate their vote banks, AAP has extended tickets to disillusioned ticket aspirants from both BJP and Congress. In a tactical move, the party has welcomed five rebels from BJP, three from Congress, and one from INLD.
Earlier on Wednesday, Kejriwal campaigned in Faridabad for Ballabhgarh candidate Ravindra Faujdar, who is posing a strong challenge to the traditional leaders of BJP and Congress.
Many AAP candidates have turned several constituencies into three-way races. The party is particularly concentrating on eight assembly seats in Kaithal and Kurukshetra districts, where Sushil Gupta led the charge during the Lok Sabha elections as a candidate for the INDIA bloc.
Moreover, AAP contenders are making their presence felt in numerous constituencies, including Indu Sharma in Bhiwani, Rabia Kidwai in Nuh, and Adarsh Pal in Jagadhri, among others, as they challenge established party rivals.
Also Read: 2024 Haryana Elections: Key Battleground Constituencies & Candidates – Full Recap
