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Congress fact-finding panel blames BJP, EC of rigging in Haryana polls

December 25, 2024, 3:48 am

The Congress Fact-Finding Committee has released its interim report on the BJP’s victory and the Congress’ unexpected defeat in the Haryana Assembly elections blaming the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), EVM and the Election Commission (EC) for electoral rigging.

The eight-member committee headed by former minister Karan Singh Dalal alleged that the BJP influenced the election results by hacking electronic voting machines (EVMs) in at least 27 urban assembly constituencies.

“BJP did not hack EVMs in entire Haryana, but it was done in urban areas. In rural areas, people often know who others are voting for, but in urban areas, political preferences are not clear”, he alleged. He also alleged that non-availability of mandatory 17-A and 17-C forms by the ECI (Election Commission) raises questions over the transparency of the election process.

Dalal alleged that the Election Commission did not give the total number of votes received by the candidates and published only percentage figures. “The Election Commission declared the polling percentage as 61.19 per cent on polling day, October 5 at 7 pm. At 11:45 pm, it became 65.65 per cent and at 8:46 am on October 7, it reached 67.90 per cent”, he added.

Dalal also raised questions on BJP’s vote share saying, “There are 2.03 crore registered voters in Haryana. According to the Election Commission, the total polling was 67.90 per cent, that is, 1.38 crore votes were cast. If BJP’s vote share is 39.94 per cent, then they should have got 55.19 lakh votes. But according to the Commission’s website, BJP got 55.48 lakh votes. This figure is wrong, and Congress’ vote share was also affected.”

Dalal said that of the 44 seats, where BJP won 37, their strike rate was 84.09 per cent, while of the remaining 46 seats, BJP won only 11, with a strike rate of 23.91 per cent.

“How can there be such huge differences?”

After the election results, Congress had complained to the Election Commission alleging irregularities in 20 assembly constituencies, of which BJP won 18, he asked. The commission dismissed these allegations as “smear of suspicion over the electoral process”. Congress on Monday again levelled allegations on the matter, including that “EVM batteries were showing 99 per cent charge at the end of polling”.

Dalal said, “EVM is like a calculator and its use should discharge the battery. But the commission is saying that these batteries are special, which get charged during use. This is unbelievable.” Congress has made it clear that it will raise these issues in Haryana and at the national level.

The party says that there should be an impartial investigation into these discrepancies so that the public’s faith in the electoral process remains intact.

The fact finding committee of the Congress was formed by the party leadership after it faced humiliating defeat as the BJP won 48 out of 90 seats and Congress won 37 seats, while the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) won two and independent candidates won three seats

Shakti Rani’s triumph in Haryana polls marks comeback of Sharma family after 25 years

October 10, 2024, 2:48 am

The mandate in Haryana has not only surprised the entire country but has also revived the political prominence of Venod Sharma’s family. Once a senior Congress leader and minister at the Centre, Sharma’s family has reestablished its status in Haryana politics after more than two-and-half decades.
Two years after his son Kartikeya Sharma’s victory in the Rajya Sabha, Venod Sharma’s wife Shakti Rani Sharma reclaimed her family’s political standing by winning decisively from the Kalka seat on a BJP ticket, silencing her opponents. Both Sharma and her son played crucial roles in this success. The Sharma family received full backing from prominent figures, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP national president JP Nadda, Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, and Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, which helped Shakti Rani secure a remarkable win in a challenging constituency. Her victory is particularly significant, as Congress had considered the Kalka seat an easy win for them when her candidacy was announced.
After filing the nomination, the strategy devised by the Sharma family in collaboration with the party led to the BJP securing the Kalka seat. Shakti Rani Sharma’s son, Kartikeya, dedicated himself fully to the campaign, working tirelessly to ensure his mother’s victory. Although a successful businessman, Kartikeya rose to prominence on June 10, 2022, when he stunned everyone by defeating veteran Congress leader Ajay Maken in the Rajya Sabha elections—a contest many had deemed a certain win for Maken. Kartikeya’s victory was bolstered by the support of BJP and independent MLAs.
In just two years of his political career, Kartikeya made a significant impact in the Rajya Sabha, catching the attention of Prime Minister Modi. Encouraged by his son’s success, Venod Sharma decided to join the BJP. The Sharma family has long been active in Ambala politics and had hoped to secure a ticket from that constituency. However, the party chose to nominate them from Kalka instead, giving their opponents room to criticize. Detractors claimed the Kalka seat was a challenging one and questioned Kartikeya’s previous victory, suggesting it was merely a stroke of luck. Kartikeya and the Sharma family gave a befitting reply to their opponents by winning the Kalka seat. They have proved that they are as strong in politics today as they were two-and-half decades ago. Slowly but with struggle and honesty, they have made a place in politics again. With this victory, the Sharma family’s hold on the BJP high command will be stronger now. Sharma family will be more successful in making its place in Haryana politics.

Haryana Polls: CM Nayab Saini Confident of BJP’s Victory Despite Exit Polls

October 6, 2024, 6:17 pm

In response to exit poll projections suggesting a tough battle ahead, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini confidently declared on Sunday that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will form the government “alone.” He emphasized that the party has “all the arrangements” in place and does not anticipate needing any alliances. “I am confident that BJP will alone form the government, but if we need that (alliance) we will give it a thought,” he stated during a press conference.

EVM Blame from Opposition Anticipated

CM Saini remarked that the BJP is poised to secure a full majority while predicting that the opposition, particularly the Congress, will blame Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) for their loss. He stated, “The public will respond on the 8th and the Congress will say the EVM is faulty.”

During his address, Saini extended his gratitude to party workers and leadership for their efforts in the assembly campaign. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP national president JP Nadda, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for their guidance. He expressed appreciation for the millions of party workers in Haryana who helped communicate the government’s initiatives.

Highlighting Governance Achievements

Saini asserted that the BJP’s governance, described as a “double-engine government,” has significantly improved citizens’ lives compared to the previous Congress administration. He mentioned how residents previously faced difficulties, such as waiting several days for gas cylinders, and stated that the current government has worked to eliminate such issues while serving all communities without discrimination.

The Chief Minister also recognized the efforts of Haryana police and paramilitary personnel for conducting peaceful elections. He praised the 2.8 crore people of Haryana for participating in the democratic process and maintaining social harmony during the elections.

Despite Saini’s optimism, exit polls suggest a challenging outlook for the BJP. Various projections indicate a significant win for Congress, with estimates of 44-64 seats for the party in the 90-member assembly, while the BJP is projected to secure only 15-32 seats. The majority mark to form a government is 46 seats.

The single-phase polling for the Haryana Assembly concluded peacefully on Saturday, with a recorded voter turnout of 65.65%. This figure surpasses the Lok Sabha 2024 turnout of 64.8% in the state, according to the Election Commission of India.

BJP Aims for Government Formation in Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir

October 6, 2024, 4:21 pm

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National General Secretary Tarun Chugh expressed confidence on Sunday that the party will secure government formation in both Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir following the recently concluded Assembly elections. Chugh emphasized that the BJP will receive the blessings of the electorate.

BJP’s Development Agenda

Speaking to media regarding exit poll projections, Chugh stated, “BJP will form the government with full majority in both places (Jammu-Kashmir and Haryana).” He attributed the party’s anticipated success to the development initiatives led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the past decade, particularly highlighting efforts to assist the poor. Chugh asserted that voters are inclined towards the BJP, predicting a defeat for “the corrupt and looters” in the upcoming results.

In contrast, Congress leader Captain Ajay Singh Yadav projected confidence in the party’s performance, claiming, “Congress will win more than 55 seats in the Haryana Assembly elections… We will get the full majority.” He mentioned that the Chief Ministerial candidate will be decided by the Congress high command.

Exit Poll Projections Favor Congress

Various exit polls suggest a potential comeback for Congress in Haryana after a decade in the opposition. According to the TV-Today C voter projection, Congress is expected to win between 50-58 seats, while BJP is projected to secure 20-28 seats. The Republic TV-Matrize poll predicts Congress could achieve between 55-62 seats out of 90, whereas the BJP may capture 18-24 seats. The People Pulse poll indicates Congress could win 44-54 seats, while BJP might secure 15-29 seats.

In Jammu & Kashmir, exit polls suggest a hung assembly with the National Conference (NC)-Congress alliance slightly leading over the BJP. The Axis My India projection indicates that the NC-Congress alliance could win between 35-45 seats, while the BJP is estimated to secure 24-34 seats. The majority mark for government formation in the Union Territory is 46 seats, indicating no party is predicted to achieve a clear majority.

Additional forecasts suggest that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) could win 4-6 seats, while the Awam Ittehad Party, led by Baramulla MP Engineer Rashid, might secure 3-8 seats. According to Axis My India, Sajjad Lone’s People’s Conference is projected to win 1-3 seats, with others possibly capturing 4-10 seats. The NC-Congress alliance is expected to garner a vote share of approximately 38%, while the BJP’s share is projected at 21%.

Haryana Polls: PM Modi Accuses Congress of Hypocrisy over Article 370, Questions Stance on PoK

October 1, 2024, 8:12 pm

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a public rally in Palwal, Haryana, criticized the Congress party for promising to restore Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir but remaining silent on reclaiming Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

“They say they will bring back Article 370 but never mention reclaiming PoK. Congress has fragmented Kashmir and does not discuss reclaiming PoK,” PM Modi stated. He accused Congress of having the support of Pakistan and described it as “the most deceitful party.”

Congress Labeled as Anti-Dalit and Anti-Reservation

PM Modi alleged that Congress is the “biggest anti-Dalit party” and plans to end reservations, using Haryana as their “test state.” He assured that as long as the BJP is in power, reservations for Dalits and backward classes will not be abolished.

Criticism of Congress’s Vote Bank Politics

The Prime Minister also attacked Congress’s alleged appeasement politics, stating that the party has repeatedly worked against Dalit and backward class interests. He cited Karnataka as an example, claiming that Congress took away reservations from these communities to favor their vote bank.

Addressing the infighting within Congress, PM Modi said, “The Dalit, backward, and deprived communities are most agitated with Congress.” He emphasized that Haryana’s history shows a pattern of aligning its government with the central ruling party and expressed confidence in BJP winning the state assembly elections again.

Upcoming Haryana Elections

Haryana is set to vote on October 5 for its 90-member legislative assembly, with results to be announced on October 8. In 2019, the BJP won 40 seats, while Congress secured 30.

Haryana Polls: Rahul Gandhi Criticizes PM Modi, Claims Farmers Drown in Debt While Ambani Spends Crores on Weddings

October 1, 2024, 3:51 pm

In a rally ahead of the Haryana Assembly polls, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming that while industrialist Mukesh Ambani spends crores on weddings, farmers are forced to incur heavy debts to organize their own family events. Addressing a roadshow in Bahadurgarh on Tuesday, Rahul Gandhi said, “Ambani spent crores on the wedding. Whose money is this? It is your money. You take bank loans to marry your children, but Modi ji has created a system where the selected 25 people can spend crores on weddings, while a farmer can organize a wedding only by drowning in debt.”

Employment Issues and Rising Prices in Haryana

Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP government of failing to address employment issues in Haryana. He pointed out that job opportunities in the state have diminished and criticized the sharp rise in the price of cooking gas. “PM Modi used to say that the cost of a gas cylinder had become ₹400. Today the rate is ₹1,200. When Congress comes to power, the rate of the cylinder will become ₹500, which means we will put ₹700 in your pocket,” he promised.

Promises Made by Rahul Gandhi for Haryana

During his speech, Rahul Gandhi announced several promises that Congress would implement if it comes to power in Haryana. These include:

Providing ₹2,000 monthly assistance to women in the state.
Purchasing paddy from farmers and ensuring Minimum Support Price (MSP) for their crops.
Filling 2 lakh vacant government job positions.
Offering 100-yard plots and ₹3.5 lakh for two-bedroom houses to the poor.
Providing 300 units of free electricity and ₹25 lakh worth of health care insurance.

BJP’s Alleged Attack on the Constitution

Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP and PM Modi of attacking the Constitution by favoring the wealthy, stating, “When PM Modi waives off loans worth ₹16 lakh crores of billionaires and does not waive the loan of farmers, students, then they are attacking the Constitution.” He also targeted the BJP’s support for the three controversial farm laws, which he claimed were designed to benefit industrialists like Adani and Ambani at the expense of farmers.

Voting for all 90 Assembly constituencies in Haryana is scheduled for October 5, from 7 AM to 6 PM, as the political battle intensifies in the state.

Haryana polls: Kejriwal Accuses BJP of Political Vendetta in Haryana

September 25, 2024, 4:52 pm

Ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections in Haryana, AAP National Convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of orchestrating the arrest of AAP leaders through false accusations.

Election Promises for Haryana

During an election rally in Meham on Wednesday, Kejriwal outlined five key guarantees aimed at improving the lives of the people in Haryana. His promises included:

Free Electricity: Full waiver of pending electricity bills.
Free Medical Services: Establishment of hospitals and Mohalla clinics to provide free healthcare.
Quality Education: Creation of excellent government schools for children.
Financial Support for Women: Monthly financial assistance of ₹1,000 for women above 18 years.
Youth Employment: Job creation initiatives to support young people.

Addressing Allegations of Corruption

Kejriwal expressed his belief that the BJP’s actions were an attempt to undermine his integrity. “They arrested all our party leaders to attack my honesty, labeling me a ‘Bhrashtachari’ and a ‘Chor’,” he stated. He emphasized that the people of Delhi could attest to his character, insisting, “I resigned, and I said that the people of Delhi will decide if I am honest or not.”

Letter to RSS Chief

In addition to his rally speech, Kejriwal sent a letter to RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat, urging him to oversee the BJP’s activities. He posed five questions regarding the BJP’s direction and its alignment with allegedly corrupt leaders. “BJP was born from the womb of RSS; it is the responsibility of RSS to ensure that BJP does not go astray,” Kejriwal stated.

Haryana is set to hold its Assembly elections on October 5, with the results for both Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir to be announced on October 8.

Haryana Polls: BJP’s Position Worrisome, Says Former Union Minister Birender Singh

September 15, 2024, 7:07 pm

Former Union Minister and Congress leader Birender Singh on Sunday expressed concerns over the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) position in the upcoming Haryana assembly polls, citing the party’s reliance on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to campaign as a sign of their struggles.

Singh remarked, “The BJP’s position is concerning, and that is why Prime Minister Modi is campaigning here. His involvement is not typically needed in state elections, but given the BJP’s current situation, they have called him in. The outcome, however, will be determined by the people, who seem to have already made up their minds.”

He claimed that over 70% of the electorate is against the BJP and predicted that the party would be marginalized in the upcoming elections. “Despite 10 years in power, the BJP has failed to expand its base,” he added.

Singh also downplayed the influence of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Haryana, stating that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s presence wouldn’t significantly impact the state’s election outcome.

Meanwhile, Haryana Congress chief Udai Bhan expressed confidence in his party’s chances, stating that they are likely to win over 70 seats in the assembly polls. “The Congress is receiving overwhelming public support, and we are poised to surpass our 2005 performance,” Bhan said.

During a rally in Kurukshetra, Prime Minister Modi took aim at Congress, accusing the party of “appeasement politics” and referencing an incident in Karnataka where a Ganesha idol was briefly placed in a protest van. He also criticized Congress for allegedly trying to eliminate reservations for Dalits and other marginalized groups.

Haryana is set to go to the polls on October 5, with votes counted in October.

Haryana Polls: MP Raghav Chadha Optimistic About AAP-Congress Alliance

September 8, 2024, 4:56 pm

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Raghav Chadha expressed optimism on Sunday about the possibility of a seat-sharing agreement between AAP and Congress for the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections. Following a meeting with Congress leader Deepak Babaria, AICC in charge of Haryana, Chadha said both parties share a “desire, wish, and hope” for allying.

Speaking to reporters, Chadha stated that discussions are progressing in a positive atmosphere and a final decision would be made before the nomination deadline on September 12. “Both parties have a desire, a wish, and hope for an alliance. We will decide before September 12. If there is no win-win situation, we will leave it,” he said.

Chadha emphasized that the talks are in the interest of the people of Haryana, the country, and democracy. “I am confident that a good conclusion will come from the discussions. Whether it’s a leader’s statement or about a particular seat, I won’t comment. Hopefully, soon we will have good news to share,” he added.

On Saturday, Chadha had shared his optimism about the alliance after a meeting with Babaria at the residence of Congress leader and Telangana Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy, saying, “Ummeed pe duniya kaayam hai (The world stands on hope).”

After the meeting, Babaria also expressed hope that an agreement would be reached within two days. “We are exchanging locations and numbers. If it’s a win-win situation for both Congress and AAP, we will go into a coalition,” he stated.

The Haryana Assembly elections are scheduled for October 5, with the last date for filing nominations set for September 12. The results will be announced on October 8.

Haryana Polls: Bhajan Singer Kanhiya Mittal Set to Join Congress

September 8, 2024, 3:29 pm

Renowned bhajan singer Kanhiya Mittal is set to join the Congress ahead of the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections. Mittal, known for singing the famous bhajan ‘Jo Ram ko laye they, hum unko layenge’ before the Ram Temple mega event, confirmed his decision through a Facebook LIVE session, though he has not announced an official date of joining the party.

In his address, Mittal clarified that he is not joining Congress because of any denial of a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ticket, as speculated. “Some people are saying I am joining Congress because I did not get a BJP ticket. This is not true. I never asked for a ticket. I could have gotten one had I spoken to a few people. It is not a big deal for me,” Mittal said, adding, “I never asked people to vote for BJP. I said vote for those who work for Ram Mandir.”

Mittal emphasized that his work was always centered on Sanatan Dharma, not any political party. “I was never working for a party, I was working for Sanatan,” he explained. He expressed that every political party should represent Sanatan values.

Congress leader Pramod Tiwari commented on Mittal’s decision, stating, “He is the one who sang the song ‘Jo Ram Ko Laye Hain Hum Unko Layenge’. People who were associated with the BJP are getting disillusioned. If the person who wrote the song on Ram Mandir is leaving the party, then it is time for BJP to do some introspection.”

The Haryana Assembly elections are scheduled for October 5, with the last date for filing nominations set for September 12. The results will be declared on October 8.

Haryana Polls: Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia to Join Congress Party

September 6, 2024, 2:37 pm

Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia are set to officially join the Congress party today at 2 PM at the residence of Indian National Congress (INC) President Mallikarjun Kharge, located on Rajaji Marg, according to sources.

This development comes at a crucial time, as Haryana gears up for its upcoming assembly elections. Speculation regarding the political entry of the renowned athletes has been growing, especially after a recent meeting with Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and KC Venugopal at Gandhi’s residence on 10 Akbar Road, Janpath. The 40-minute meeting fueled rumors that Phogat and Punia could be fielded as Congress candidates in the Haryana Assembly elections.

The potential entry of these high-profile athletes into politics could have a significant impact on the state’s political landscape, should they choose to contest elections on a Congress ticket.

Leaders of Protest Against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh

Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia were at the forefront of the protests against former BJP MP and then Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in 2023. The protests centered on allegations of sexual harassment against Singh, marking a turning point in the wrestlers’ public involvement in national issues.

Phogat, an Olympic wrestler, announced her retirement following her disqualification from the Tokyo Olympics, where she was found to be overweight by 100 grams in her 50-kg category. Bajrang Punia, a bronze medalist from the Tokyo Games, is also considered a major figure in Indian sports.

Impact on Haryana Elections

With Haryana’s assembly elections scheduled for October 5, 2024, the inclusion of well-known athletes like Phogat and Punia could alter the political dynamics. Talks of seat-sharing between Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) are already underway, as both parties strategize for the elections in the state. The counting of votes will take place on October 8, 2024.

Haryana Assembly Polls Equally Important for BJP and Congress

August 30, 2024, 6:35 am

Saffron party seeks historic third term as Congress fights to regain dominance.

As Haryana gears up for the October 1 Assembly elections, the political battleground is heating up with a high-stakes contest between the two national rivals-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress. For both the parties, this election is more than just a regional power struggle — it’s a crucial test of their political strength and strategies.

The BJP, led by Chief Minister Nayab Saini –a strategic replacement of Manohar Lal, is seeking to make history by securing a third consecutive term, despite facing the challenge of double anti-incumbency due to its decade-long hold on both the state and central governments. On the other hand, Congress, which once dominated Haryana, is striving to regain its foothold, even as internal divisions threaten to derail its efforts.

The political landscape in Haryana is further complicated by the presence of regional players like the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). While the JJP aims to retain its influence as a crucial third force, the AAP is working hard to make its mark in Arvind Kejriwal’s home state. However, despite these contenders, the primary battle remains between the BJP and Congress, with the regional parties may potentially play spoiler by dividing the votes in the multicornerd contest.

This election is particularly significant as it follows the Lok Sabha elections, serving as a litmus test for both national parties. For the BJP, a victory in Haryana would not only mean retaining power but also reinforcing its dominance in northern India after the setback in Himachal Pradesh. The party is also keenly aware that the outcome in Haryana will resonate beyond state lines, influencing upcoming elections in other states, including Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Delhi.

Similalry, for Congress, reclaiming Haryana is equally critical. The party, which lost the state in 2014 after two consecutive terms under Bhupinder Hooda, is desperate for a comeback. The BJP’s rise in Haryana led to the decline of its former ally, the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), and the emergence of the JJP as a kingmaker in 2019. However, the JJP is now in disarray, with seven of its MLAs having defected, leaving the party scrambling for alliances, including a new tie-up with the Azad Samaj Party. But a straight fight with the BJP seems a bigger challenge for the Congress ever before.

If the BJP manages to secure another term, it would be the first time in Haryana’s history that any party has achieved three consecutive terms in power. Nayab Saini –an OBC — has been the face of the BJP’s campaign, is emphasizing his administration’s focus on development, governance, and law and order besides jobs on merit. However, the party faces significant hurdles, including anti-incumbency sentiment, agrarian distress, and backlash from controversial policies like e-initiatives particularly alienated rural voters.

For Congress, a victory in Haryana would send a powerful message that it is regaining ground in northern India after its success in Himachal Pradesh. The party has received a morale boost from winning five out of ten Lok Sabha seats in Haryana, and party leader Rahul Gandhi has taken a direct role even in selection of candidates on the basis of winnability. However, the biggest challenge for Congress remains its internal divisions and factionalism, which threaten to undermine its efforts as all the senior leaders of the party were struggling hard to get maximum tickets to their supporters to strengthen their claims for the CM’s post.

Political observers note that while Haryana is a small state, its political significance is considerable. A Congress win here would be a significant blow to the BJP, bolstering the party’s prospects in neighboring states like Delhi and Punjab, while the BJP’s victory will boost the saffron party to continue its victory march over its old rival.

Congress list too in final stages

August 30, 2024, 6:31 am

The Congress party has further tightened its criteria for candidacy in the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections as the party was unlikely to give party tickets to those who have lost two consecutive elections.

This decision follows the party’s earlier stance of barring sitting Members of Parliament (MPs) from contesting the Assembly polls.

The party’s Screening Committee, led by senior leader Ajay Maken, has been working hard to finalize candidates out of over 2,500 applicants for the 90 Assembly seats of Haryana. On the second consecutive day of deliberations, sources within the party revealed that candidates for 60 seats have already been finalized, with discussions on the remaining 30 seats set to continue on Friday.

Deepak Babaria, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) in-charge for Haryana, confirmed the progress, stating, “More than 60% of the work has been completed. The Central Election Committee (CEC) meeting is likely to be held on September 2. We are fully prepared for the elections, everyone knows that this is not the Election Commission, it is the BJP Commission… As per my knowledge, it is final that no Congress MP will contest the election.”

Reacting over the reports that the party’s decision not field sitting MPs has come as a jolt to senior party leaders like Kumari Selja and Randeep Surjewala, who were among the front-runners for chief ministerial candidates, Babaria clarified that contesting the Assembly election does not necessarily mean being in the running for the chief ministerial position.
As per the party leaders the screening committee will submit its report to the Congress Election Committee on Friday, which is expected to finalize the candidates and the list of the contenders may come out after September 2 meeting.

Meanwhile, Congress MP Kumari Selja, who was considered a contender for the chief ministerial position, responded to the party’s decision regarding MPs. “It is my wish to contest the Haryana assembly elections, but the final decision will be made by the party high command. As a true soldier of the Congress, I can tell that the one who gets the blessings of the high command becomes the Chief Minister. There may be many contenders, but the final approval will be of the high command,” she said.

Selja expressed confidence that the Congress would form the next government in Haryana, emphasizing that the party high command would ultimately decide the chief ministerial candidate.

As the candidate selection process nears completion, ticket aspirants from Haryana have been camping in Delhi for the past several days. On Thursday, former Haryana Minister and JJP MLA from Tohana Devinder Singh Babli was also spotted among those seeking a Congress ticket, highlighting the intense competition and anticipation surrounding the upcoming elections.

Haryana polls: BJP 1st list likely today, many may miss bus

August 30, 2024, 6:28 am

The Central Election Committee (CEC) meeting of the Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday evening held its first meeting to discuss party candidates for Haryana assembly elections.
The meeting held at party headquarters chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focused on finalizing candidates for the upcoming polls, with discussions centered around four crucial survey reports assessing the viability of ticket aspirants.

The high-stakes meeting was attended by top BJP leaders, including party president JP Nadda, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and BJP Women’s Wing Chief Vanathi Srinivasan.
Key figures from Haryana, such as Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Haryana BJP Incharge Dharmender Pradhan, and co-election incharge Biplab Kumar Deb, were also present, alongside senior leaders like Anil Vij, Captain Abhimanyu, and OP Dhankar.

Party sources have indicated that candidates for 40 seats have been finalised and the first list of candidates is expected to be announced on Friday. In a strategic bid to counter anti-incumbency, the BJP is reportedly considering dropping several sitting MLAs having poor performance- with a preference for introducing new faces including Union minister Rao Inderjit’s daughter Aarti Rao in the electoral race.

The party leaders also discussed shifting of the Chief Minister Nayab Saini from Karnal to Ladwa assembly constituency of Kurukshetra district. Earlier in the day, the BJP’s state leadership gathered at JP Nadda’s residence for a preparatory discussion.

Haryana Polls: Conflict Between Kanda And Chautala Reaches Boiling Point

August 21, 2024, 1:38 am

The escalating conflict between Haryana Power Minister Ranjit Singh Chautala and Haryana Lokhit Party president and Sirsa MLA Gopal Kanda has reached a critical juncture, with Chautala declaring his intention to contest the upcoming assembly elections from the Rania constituency — where Kanda has already announced his nephew as the HLP candidate.
Chautala, a veteran political figure and son of Chaudhary Devi Lal, has unequivocally announced his intention to contest the upcoming assembly elections from the Rania constituency, even if it means defying his own party’s alliances.

Chautala’s declaration comes in response to HLP chief and Sirsa MLA Gopal Kanda’s recent announcement of fielding his nephew, Dhawal Kanda, as the HLP candidate for the Rania seat. The power minister, who was elected as an independent MLA from Rania before joining the BJP, made it clear that his loyalty to the BJP is conditional. “If the BJP gives me a ticket from Rania, that’s fine; otherwise, the BJP can do what it wants. I will definitely contest the election from Rania and will win as well,” Chautala asserted during a meeting with his supporters.

Chautala refuted rumors of joining the Congress under former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda’s leadership. Chautala’s defiance marks a significant challenge to the BJP’s strategic alliance with Gopal Kanda’s HLP. “I am the son of Chaudhary Devi Lal and have my own support base in all 90 assembly constituencies in the state,” he stated, underscoring his confidence in winning the Rania seat, irrespective of the BJP’s decisions.
This development puts the BJP in a precarious position as it navigates its alliance with the HLP. Ranjit Singh Chautala has openly criticized the BJP’s condition to offer only one seat to the HLP and that too, not to Gopal Kanda himself but to a member of his family. “Gopal Kanda has no influence in Sirsa, and he will face defeat in the assembly polls. I had spoken to senior BJP leaders who told me that the party will give only the Sirsa assembly seat to Gopal Kanda,” Chautala revealed, signaling his intention to contest from Rania on a BJP ticket or as an Independent if necessary.

Chautala’s previous electoral performance adds weight to his challenge. Although he lost the Hisar Lok Sabha seat to Congress’ Jai Prakash in the last general elections, his influence in the Rania constituency remains strong. His decision to contest from Rania is poised to disrupt the BJP’s plans, especially in light of Chief Minister Nayab Saini’s announcement that the BJP would contest the assembly polls in alliance with the HLP.
Meanwhile, the Kanda brothers, including HLP chief Gopal Kanda, have maintained a calculated silence, refraining from immediate comments on Chautala’s statement and accusations. The silence from the Kanda camp suggests a cautious approach as they navigate this unexpected challenge within their alliance.