As Haryana heads to the polls on October 5, 2024, for its 90 Assembly seats, the state gears up to decide its next legislative assembly. The election results will be announced on October 8. The Haryana Legislative Assembly is set to conclude its term on November 3, 2024. The last Assembly elections took place in October 2019, leading to a coalition government between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP), with Manohar Lal Khattar assuming the role of Chief Minister. However, the BJP-JJP alliance ended on March 12, 2024, prompting Khattar to resign. Nayab Singh Saini was appointed as the new Chief Minister the same day.
The current Haryana Assembly’s term is set to end on November 3, 2024. In the lead-up to the elections, let’s explore the list of Haryana’s Chief Ministers who have completed a full term, major electoral issues, and the party candidates running for office.
Chief Ministers Completing Full Terms in Haryana
Over the years, a few Haryana Chief Ministers have successfully completed their full five-year tenures, shaping the state’s political landscape:
Bhajan Lal Bishnoi (INC) – Representing the Adampur constituency, Bhajan Lal served from June 23, 1991, to May 11, 1996.
Om Prakash Chautala (INLD) – Serving from March 2, 2000, to March 5, 2005, Chautala was a prominent leader from the Narwana constituency.
Bhupinder Singh Hooda (INC) – Bhupinder Singh Hooda, representing Garhi Sampla-Kiloi, held office from March 5, 2005, to October 25, 2009, and then from October 25, 2009, to October 26, 2014.
Manohar Lal Khattar (BJP) – From Karnal, Khattar led two terms from October 26, 2014, to October 27, 2019, and from October 27, 2019, to March 12, 2024, before stepping down after the BJP-JJP alliance dissolved. Nayab Singh Saini was appointed in his place.
Key Issues in the Haryana Assembly Elections
Several crucial issues have emerged, potentially influencing voter sentiment:
Agricultural Concerns and MSP: Following protests against the three farm laws introduced by the BJP, the Minimum Support Price (MSP) guarantee has become a significant concern. Farmers are calling for a legal assurance on MSP to stabilize their incomes, fearing financial challenges without it.
Agniveer Recruitment Scheme: The Agnipath scheme, offering a short-term recruitment option for the armed forces, has sparked debate, especially among Haryana’s youth. Many see it as unstable, unlike traditional, permanent military roles.
Unemployment: Haryana faces a high unemployment rate, exceeding the national average. Economic growth and job creation are key talking points, with parties pledging to address this through various initiatives.
Wrestlers’ Rights: Wrestlers in Haryana, especially after allegations involving Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, have raised concerns over lack of support. The perceived neglect in resource distribution has become a focal issue in a state with strong wrestling traditions.
Inflation: The high cost of essential goods has impacted daily living costs. Parties are positioning inflation management as a priority, promising relief measures if elected.
Party Candidates and Key Leaders
The political landscape in Haryana features major players including the Congress, BJP, AAP, Jannayak Janata Party (JJP), and Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), all fielding strong candidates to appeal to diverse constituencies.
Congress
The Congress has largely retained its incumbent MLAs, fielding familiar faces and banking on Jat community support, led by former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda from Garhi Sampla-Kiloi. Recently, notable athletes like Vinesh Phogat joined the Congress and are now standing for election. Other key candidates include Chander Mohan from Panchkula and journalist Sarva Mitra Kamboj from Rania.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
The BJP, in power for two terms, is aiming for a third while navigating internal dissent over the decision to replace some sitting MLAs. Candidates focus on the non-Jat communities, and Nayab Singh Saini, the new Chief Minister, is contesting from Ladwa. The BJP has strategically realigned its candidate list to manage anti-incumbency sentiments.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)
AAP has fielded candidates across 89 seats, with Arvind Kejriwal actively campaigning in the state. Key candidates include Raj Kaur Gill from Ambala Cantt and Anurag Dhanda from Kalayat. Prominent campaigners like Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann and Delhi Chief Minister Atishi are also rallying to support AAP candidates.
Jannayak Janata Party (JJP)
JJP, previously in alliance with BJP, is now allied with Aazad Samaj Party. Important candidates include Digvijay Chautala from Dabwali and Dushyant Chautala from Uchana. The party focuses on regional issues, particularly those affecting rural constituencies.
Indian National Lok Dal (INLD)
INLD has allied with the Bahujan Samaj Party, with candidates like Aditya Chautala and Arjun Chautala representing the Chautala family legacy. The INLD-BSP coalition is looking to secure a stronger footing in traditionally INLD-dominated areas.
The Haryana Assembly Elections 2024 will be a decisive moment in the state’s politics. As candidates from key parties vie for seats, voters face a choice influenced by agricultural concerns, job security, inflation, and regional representation. Election outcomes may reflect the state’s changing political and social landscape, as new and established leaders seek to address pressing issues and gain the trust of Haryana’s diverse electorate.
Must read: Why MSP Is a Major Concern In Haryana Assembly Elections?
