Haryana Assembly Elections – October 2019

Haryana Assembly Elections 2019
Daily updates on Haryana Assembly Elections 2019
Haryana Assembly Elections 2019
Daily updates on Haryana Assembly Elections 2019

Haryana elections, scheduled on October 21, 2019, are expected to witness hectic electoral battles from all the major national and regional parties to prove their superiority. The ruling BJP is overconfident of coming to power again. But politics is a game of uncertainty. Congress and other parties are not likely to leave any stone unturned to get the majority of assembly seats out of 90.

Day 01

No Clear Winner in Haryana Assembly Elections

The Election Commission’s 6 pm trend announcement shows that BJP has emerged as the single largest party in the Haryana assembly election with 40 Seats. While Congress has come up as the second-largest party with 30 seats, the one-year-old Jannayak Janata Party (JJP) has emerged as a stunner by winning/leading in 10 seats. INLD has won one seat, the others have won 9 seats. As 46 seats is the magic number for a party to form a government, no clear winner has emerged in Haryana. PM Modi has congratulated the BJP party workers for their hard work and for going among the people to set motion the developmental agenda of the party. In a tweet, he also said that his party will continue working for the people with the same zeal and dedication for the progress of Haryana. Some of the popular faces fielded by the BJP such as international wrestlers Babita Phogat and Yogeshwar Dutt along with TikTok star Sonali Phogat lost the election. Reports say BJP’s Haryana Chief Subhash Barala has offered to quit. BJP Vice President Vinay Sahasrabuddhe has told media that the party will introspect the reasons due to which they fell far short of their “Mission 75” target. BJP President Amit Shah has reportedly canceled most of his appointments including an event of Indo-Tibetan Border Police that he was scheduled to attend as the Union Home Minister. Shah along with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reached the party headquarters for addressing the workers. While Congress’s Bhupinder Singh Hooda has given an open offer to the ‘kingmaker’ JJP to come together for forming the government in Haryana, BJP high command has summoned Manohar Lal Khattar to Delhi. While Amit Shah thanked the people of Haryana for making BJP the single largest party in the state, reports say incumbent CM Manohar Lal Khattar is all set to meet Haryana Governor to stake claim of the government with the support of JJP.

Day 02

BJP Spokesperson says that BJP will Improve its Tally in Haryana Election and Khattar will become Haryana CM Again

BJP Spokesperson Gaurav Bhatiya has said in a press conference that after the announcement of the election result tomorrow, Manohar Lal Khattar will again become the Chief Minister of Haryana. He went on to predict that the ruling BJP in Haryana will increase its tally this time. Bhatiya also claimed that both the Congress and JJP will be “defamated” after the announcement of the results on Thursday (October 24, 2019).

Haryana Congress Chief Kumari Selja says Congress will Form Haryana Government by Winning More than 45 Seats

Haryana Congress President Kumari Selja has insisted on the fact that Congress is going to form government in the state and urged everyone to ignore the exit poll results that predicted a clean sweep for the BJP. She went on to stress that Congress is going to win 45+ seats out of the total 90 assembly constituencies in Haryana. When asked about the reason for her confidence, Selja said that her prediction is based upon the feedback she received from the candidates from across Haryana. She went on to say that BJP tried to bypass the real issues plaguing the people of Haryana and people must have sensed this aspect.

Election Commission Orders Re-polling in 5 Polling Booths

Haryana’s Joint Chief Electoral Officer Dr. Inder Jeet has said that the Election Commission has found some shortcomings in 5 booths and that’s why they have ordered re-polling in these booths. Re-polling is happening on Wednesday from 7 am to 6 pm. The booths where re-polling has been ordered are Uchana Kalan assembly constituency’s booth 71, Beri constituency’s booth 161, Narnaul assembly constituency’s booth 28, Kosli seat’s booth 18, and Prithla constituency’s booth 113.

Day 03

Haryana Assembly Election Witnessed 66% Voter Turnout on Monday

Haryana Assembly election witnessed a 66% voter turnout on October 21. Some of the highest voter turnouts took place in places such as Bagar, Bangar, and Deswali with 70.38%, 69.55%, and 66.47% respectively. However, places such as voter turnout in some places such as Mewat didn’t even touch the 65%. It saw just 61.10% turnout. Senior citizens turned up in large numbers during this assembly election on Monday. Some of the issues that dominated the election in Haryana were “water, education, and unemployment”.

All-Woman Sakhi Polling Booths were Set up in Haryana Assembly Election

Sakhi polling stations became a huge success in drawing women voters in Haryana. These special polling booths were managed and protected by women polling officers and police personnel. Ambala City’s sector Officer, Poonam Dhiman, said that the idea was conceptualized by the Election Commission to empower women and to “see if women can handle the process of conducting elections or not.” Ashok Kumar Sharma, Ambala district election officer, said that there were 45 such Sakhi polling booths were established across the district. Reports say that in Panchkula district too two Sakhi polling booths were set up.

Bike Ambulances help 80 Elderly and Disabled to Exercise their Votes in Haryana’s Morni and Pinjore Blocks

Bike ambulance services were put into effect by the Panchkula administration in Haryana to help the elderly and physically challenged people cast their assembly votes on Monday. Reports say that nearly 80 people availed the service, especially from the interiors of Morni hills, thereby traversing around 2-6 km in the hilly areas. An “Arogyam” motorbike ambulance rider named Bhupinder Rana said that they receive calls from either the block level officers or village sarpanch during an election to help “elderly and physically challenged person” so that they can exercise their rights. The first of its kind emergency health service project was launched by the incumbent Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar on May 13, 2017, in Panchkula, especially for the hilly areas.

Day 04

Exit Polls Predict a Clean Sweep by BJP in Haryana

All the exit polls predict a clean sweep by BJP in the Haryana assembly election. Jan Ki Baat exit poll expects the BJP to win 52 seats out of the total 90 constituencies with the Congress at a distant second with just 19 seats. NewsX predicts 77 seats for BJP, 11 for Congress, and 2 by Others. NDTV’s Poll of Polls predicts BJP, Congress, INLD, and Others to win 66, 14, 2, and 8 seats respectively. Times Now Exit Poll expects the BJP to win 71 seats, followed by Congress with 11 seats and Others with 8 seats. Another exit poll done by TV9 Bharatvarsh predicts a much closer contest between BJP and Congress. They expect the BJP to win 47 seats, Congress 23 seats, and Others 20 seats.

60.36% Voter Turnout in Haryana till 5 pm, Both BJP and Congress are Expecting Close Contest

Voting in Haryana has ended in all 90 assembly constituencies at 6 pm in Haryana. Reports say the voter turnout in Haryana was 60.36% till 5 pm. In Haryana, the contest between the ruling BJP and the Congress is going to be tense this time. Other political parties who are giving tough contest this assembly election are Jannayak Janata Party (JJP) and Indian National Lok Dal (INLD). While Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said that BJP is eyeing to win 75 seats, Congress is hoping to make a strong comeback.

BJP eyeing a win in Haryana, CM Khattar Rides on a Cycle to Reach Polling Station

Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan has said today that BJP will retain power in both Haryana and Maharashtra. While talking to the media on the sidelines of an event, he said that people in both states believe in the philosophy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and also support his policies. Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar today traveled by train, followed by a ride on an e-rickshaw and then rode on a cycle to reach the polling station to cast his vote. The 65-year old Khattar tweeted that he had a lively interaction with his co-passengers during his journey to Karnal on Jan Shatabdi. When Khattar was asked about controversial remarks made by Assandh constituency’s BJP candidate Bakshish Singh Virk about EVM, Khattar said that Virk has clarified it to be a fake and doctored video. He went on to say that the “Election Commission has taken cognizance and is looking into it.”

Day 05

EC Makes Elaborate Arrangement to Conduct Haryana Assembly Election Peacefully Tomorrow

The Election Commission has made an elaborate arrangement across Haryana for conducting assembly elections in a peaceful manner on October 21 (Monday). Reports say that over 40,000 police personnel, over 20,000 special police officers/home guards, and over 13,000 paramilitary personnel were deployed for conducting the Haryana assembly election peacefully. DGP of the state Manoj Yadav has urged the voters to participate in the “festival of democracy” without fear. He said that they have earmarked around two thousand polling stations that are “vulnerable”. He also said that atleast one constable and one home guard have been deployed in 19,500 polling booths. The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) has been deployed in the vulnerable and critical polling stations.

More than 89 Lakh Young Voters will Play Key Role in the Haryana Assembly Election on Monday

Data published by the Election Commission shows that there are more than 1.83 crore eligible voters in Haryana, out of which more than 89 lakh voters (89,42,668 voters to be precise) have less than 40 years of age. Haryana’s Chief Electoral Officer Anurag Agarwal has said that there are 3,82,446 first time voters belonging to the 18-19 years age group, 40,67,413 voters in the 20-29 age group, and 44,92,809 voters in the 30-39 years age group. The maximum numbers of eligible voters are there in Haryana’s Faridabad (15 lakh) and Gurugram (12 lakh) districts. The lowest number of electorates is there in Panchkula district, having 3.86 lakh voters. The polling will start at 7 am and close at 6 pm in all the 90 assembly seats in Haryana.

Haryana’s Congress Chief Kumari Selja Exudes Confidence of Forming the Next Government

The Haryana unit chief of Congress Kumari Selja has said today that people of the state have seen enough of BJP’s game of diverting attention from the real issues to non-issues in Haryana such as Article 370’s abrogation in J&K and NRC (National Register of Citizens). Selja said that there have been rapid changes on the ground in favor of Congress in Haryana. She went on to exude the confidence in forming the next government in Haryana. At a press conference, Selja said that they have raised people-centric issues and the electorate of Haryana has responded positively to that.

Day 06

PM Modi Sharpens Attack on Congress in Haryana by bringing the Article 370 and Kartarpur Issues to the Fore

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stepped up his offensive against the opposition parties on the last day of campaigning for the Haryana Assembly election. He attacked Congress for destroying the country with wrong strategies and policies, especially on the issues regarding the abrogation of Article 370 and Kartarpur Corridor. In a rally, PM Modi said that B R Ambedkar called Article 370 a temporary provision for J&K but Congress continued it for 70 years. While delivering his speech in Rewari today he said Congress failed to end the Article 370 in 1964 despite promising to end it in a year. He also accused Congress of failing to bring Kartarpur gurdwara (Guru Nanak’s resting place) within the Indian Territory at the time of partition. Modi also held the Congress responsible for the snatching away of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir along with the worsening situation of Kashmir. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the time has changed and the policies in the Kashmir region will now be made by the people of Kashmir and India and not by the enemy state Pakistan.

Kapil Sibal reminds PM Modi that it was Congress that Made Pakistan Split

Senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for bringing the issue of Article 370’s abrogation in J&K during the Haryana election. Sibal referred to the formation of Bangladesh and reminded PM Modi that it was Congress that forced the splitting of an integral part of Pakistan. The Congress leader also asked PM Modi about the steps undertaken by the BJP government for implementing Article 47 of the constitution, which stresses the state’s duty of improving public health as well as raising the nutrition level.

Day 07

Hariyanvi Performer Sapna Chaudhary Embarrasses BJP by Campaigning for Rival Candidate

Popular Haryanvi dancer and performer Sapna Chaudhary, who joined BJP recently, embarrassed her party when a video was found campaigning for BJP’s rival candidate, Gopal Kanda of Haryana Lokhit Party from Sirsa assembly constituency. Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari said that Sapna claimed that she was advised by her staff to campaign for Kanda as he “was an independent candidate”. Though she was scheduled to participate in a roadshow for Kanda, Manoj Tiwari convinced her not to participate in it.

PM Modi says Congress in Haryana has Already Accepted Defeat, Expecting at most 10-15 Seats

PM Narendra Modi, during his second rally on Friday, said that the Congress in Haryana has already accepted defeat. He referred to a purported video showing 3 Congress leaders from Haryana discussing the party’s prospects inside the parliament complex. By referring to the video, PM Modi said that the Congress Party is expecting to win a maximum of 10-15 assembly seats in the October 21 Haryana Assembly elections.

Day 08

Rahul Gandhi accuses PM Modi of Destroying Indian Economy

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has said while addressing a rally in Haryana’s Mahendragarh that BJP makes people fight (whether it is between Jats and non-Jats, Hindus and Muslims, or one caste against another caste) to make political gains. The Gandhi scion has accused PM Modi of destroying the economy. He said that the implementation of demonetization and GST (which he sarcastically called “Gabbar Singh Tax”) has destroyed both medium and small scale enterprises. The interim President of Congress was initially scheduled to address the Mahendragarh rally but her poor health made Rahul replace her.

Rajnath Singh in a Haryana Rally claimed that No Human Rights Violation took place since Article 370’s Abrogation in J&K

Union Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has claimed during an election rally in Haryana’s Jhajjar on Friday that there has been no human rights violation in J&K since the abrogation of Article 370 by the Narendra Modi government. He also suggested Congress leaders try and develop the nation instead of doing politics on everything to form the government. Singh also sought answers from the Congress leaders for internationalizing the issue of Article 370’s abrogation.

JJP Releases Manifesto for Haryana Assembly Election

Jannayak Janata Party (JJP) released its Haryana assembly election manifesto on Thursday. It promised a 75% job reservation for youths in the state (which is a 1.83 crore vote bank). It promised to pass “Right to Work Act”, which will ensure jobs as per one’s qualifications. JJP promised that if voted to power they will create a separate ministry for employment in Haryana.

Day 09

Rajnath Singh hits out at Congress on the Issues of Kashmir and Worshipping of Rafale Jets

The Union Defense Minister Rajnath Singh made a scathing attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi by asking what the latter would have written on the Rafale fighter jet instead of “Om”. He said during a rally in Haryana that worshiping the weapons is a tradition during Vijayadashami. Singh also hit out at Congress for internationalizing the Kashmir issue, referring to the meeting between the representatives of the Congress and UK’s Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn in London. While stressing on Kashmir being an internal issue, Rajnath Singh said that Congress has lost its mind by discussing the matter of Kashmir in other countries. He also questioned why Congress leaders didn’t raise the human rights’ violation issue when terrorists killed civilians, and soldiers in J&K.

Khattar Visits outgoing PWD Minister Rao Narbir Singh’s House

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar visited the outgoing PWD minister Rao Narbir Singh’s house, hinting an important role for him after the Haryana election. Tejpal Tawar, the outgoing MLA from Sohna, was also present during Khattar’s visit. Both Rao Narbir Singh and Tejpal Tawar were denied BJP tickets this assembly election. Khattar went on to say, “The party is very big, today what is in front of you may change in the future. Narbir and Tejpal may not worry.”

Dushyant Chautala Seeks Central Security Agency Cover after Receiving International Gang’s Threat Call

Dushyant Chautala, leader of Jannayak Janata Party (JJP), moved to the Punjab and Haryana high court seeking security cover by a central security agency as he fears for his life. Chautala said that his life is in danger from an international gang. He went on to say that he received a phone call from Dubai that threatened him with dire consequences if he campaigns vigorously before the Haryana assembly election.

Day 10

Haryana Congress Rebel Leader Ashok Tanwar Extends his Support to Jannayak Janta Party

Ashok Tanwar, the rebel Congress leader in Haryana, has extended support to Dushyant Chautala led Jannayak Janta Party on Wednesday. While announcing that he will campaign against Congress in the upcoming October 21 assembly election in Haryana, Tanwar made it clear that he will not join JJP. He went on to say that from now on, Congress will contest not to win, but for the 3rd or 4th position. JJP chief Dushyant Chautala appreciated Tanwar’s decision, and said that their party is giving a strong challenge to BJP in the state.

Amit Shah accuses Congress of Doing Vote Bank Politics, Appreciates PM Modi for taking Bold Stand on Article 370

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, while addressing a rally in Faridabad’s Tigaon, said that it is the bold decision-making capability (referring to the Article 370’s abrogation) of PM Modi that helped to make J&K an integral part of India. He went on to accuse the Congress of doing vote bank politics, which restricts it from taking a nationalistic stand. Shah also accused the erstwhile Bhupinder Hooda government of being involved in shady land deals.

Haryana Congress President Kumari Selja said People are Questioning BJP about Unemployment

Haryana Congress President Kumari Selja said today that multiple scams hit the Khattar government. She went on to say that people have started asking BJP about unemployment, and that’s why they are raising hyper-nationalistic issues such as abrogation of Article 370 to bypass the real issues. While claiming that the people of Haryana will show BJP the door, she said that Sonia Gandhi would boost Congress’s campaign by addressing a rally in Mahendragarh on October 18.

Ambala Cantonment’s BSP Candidate Attacked by Miscreants

Rajesh Kumar, the Ambala Cantonment constituency’s BSP (Bahujan Samaj Party) candidate, was attacked with swords by some miscreants near Mall Road while he was campaigning in his car on Tuesday night. He reportedly received injuries on his hand and back. He was rushed to the nearby Civil Hospital for treatment.

Day 11

PM Modi accuses Congress of Spreading Rumors on Article 370, Promises to Bring Back Water Flowing to Pakistan

PM Narendra Modi, during his poll rally in Haryana’s Charki Dadri, accused Congress of spreading rumors on Article 370 both inside India and abroad. While praising the transparent administration of incumbent Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar, PM Modi said that the people of the state have already decided to bring back the BJP government in the upcoming assembly election. He also said that the farmers of Haryana and Rajasthan have the right to the water that is flowing to Pakistan. He promised to fight for bringing back that water. In another rally in Kurukshetra, PM Modi expressed his satisfaction that the Kartarpur corridor project is on its way to completion.

Rahul Gandhi talks about “Kaam ki Baat” to counter PM Modi’s “Mann ki Baat.”

Rahul Gandhi said during a rally in Haryana that he will do “Kaam ki Baat” (talk about the works) instead of the “Mann ki Baat” radio program done by PM Narendra Modi every 10th day of the month. He also accused the Khattar government of telling lies in the name of job creation, tackling corruption, and offering minimum support prices to the farmers. The Gandhi scion called the Modi government a friend of the large corporates and not that of the common man.

ADR Data Shows 42% of the Candidates in Haryana have Crores of Assets

The data published by the Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR) shows that 42% (or 481 candidates in absolute terms) of the total number of 1,100 candidates contesting the Haryana election have crores of assets. The report also says that 91% of the 87 Congress candidates and 89% of the 89 BJP candidates have self-declared their assets to be over Rs. 1 crore. The ADR report also shows that 117 candidates have criminal cases, and 70 candidates have serious criminal cases against them.

Day 12

BJP Releases Manifesto for Haryana Assembly Election

BJP has released its manifesto (titled “Sankalp Patra”) for the Haryana assembly election on Sunday. While releasing the document, BJP national working president J P Nadda called it a “pragmatic and practical commitment paper” that represents all sections of the society. The manifesto promises to provide farmers with interest-free crop loans of up to Rs 3 lakh, up to Rs. 3 lakh collateral-free loan to the Scheduled Castes, old-age pension of Rs 3,000, provide skill training to 25 lakh youths (with an outlay of Rs. 500 crores), setting up of 2,000 health/wellness centers, setting up of 1,000 sports nurseries, etc. The BJP manifesto also promised to double the income of farmers by 2022 and make Haryana free of tuberculosis.

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh Raises Kashmir Issue and Gives veiled Threat to Pakistan PM during Karnal Rally

In an election rally in Haryana’s Karnal constituency, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh took a swipe at Pakistan PM Imran Khan for not taking any action against the terrorists who are roaming freely on Pakistan soil. He also offered the Indian Army’s help to Pakistan PM if he is “serious enough to fight against terror.” Rajnath Singh also made it clear that Kashmir is an internal matter of India, and it is meaningless to raise the issue in international forums as “no one can exert pressure” on India on the issue. The Defense Minister also gave a veiled threat by saying if Pakistan continues its hostile act then “no power can stop Pakistan from being broken up further”.

UP CM Yogi Adityanath Campaigns for TikTok Celebrity and BJP Candidate in Adampur

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, in a public meeting in support of TikTok celebrity and BJP candidate from Adampur assembly constituency, took a dig at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for opposing abrogation of Article 370. He went on to ask the people not to vote for a party that plays with the security of the country. While calling BJP’s candidate “niece” of Amadpur, Yogi attacked MLA Kuldeep Bishnoi by calling him scamster who exploits people in this constituency and prefers to stay in London instead of solving the drinking/irrigation water problems. Before concluding his speech by raising slogans such as “Bharat mata ki jai” and “Jai Shri Ram,” Yogi Adityanath said that the Manohar Khattar led government is the first such government to waive farm loans in Haryana.

Day 13

Haryana Congress Chief Kumari Selja Expels 16 People including Heavyweights from Primary Membership for 6 Years

Haryana Congress Chief Kumari Selja has expelled 16 people from the Congress Party for contesting against the official nominees in the upcoming assembly election and violating provisions of the constitution of the Congress. The Congress party’s primary membership of these people has been suspended for six years. The statement says that the persons who have been expelled from the party include heavyweights such as Zile Ram Sharma (former chief parliamentary secretary), Azad Mohmmad (former deputy speaker Haryana Vidhan Sabha), Nirmal Singh (former minister), and Ranjit Singh (former MP).

SAD Chief Sukhbir Singh Badal Calls Supporters to Ensure Loss of Former Party MLA Balkaur Singh for Betrayal

Sukhbir Singh Badal, President of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), said that people would not forgive former party MLA Balkaur Singh for defecting to BJP and betraying his “mother party”. Balkaur Singh is now contesting from Kalanwali constituency (Sirsa district) on a BJP ticket. During his campaign for SAD nominee Rajinder Singh Desujodha from Kalanwali seat, Badal asked the supporters to ensure loss for Balkaur Singh.

Day 14

INLD Releases its Manifesto for October 21 Haryana Assembly Election 2019

The Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) has released its manifesto today for the upcoming Haryana Assembly election. It promised to Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations for determining crop prices for farmers, loan waiver for farmers/small traders, free electricity for the agriculture sector, and a wide range of benefits for the women/traders/unemployed youngsters. It also promised to look into the ways to revive the Dadupur-Nalvi canal project, which the BJP government had scrapped. Once the construction of the Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal is completed, INLD promised to bring Haryana’s share of river water. Birbal Das Dhalia, INLD’s state President, released the manifesto.

Haryana BJP to Release its Assembly Election Manifesto on October 13

The ruling BJP will release its manifesto for the upcoming Haryana Assembly Election 2019 on October 13 (Sunday). Senior BJP leaders such as Chief Minister M L Khattar, BJP working President JP Nadda, manifesto committee chief OP Dhankar, and state BJP president Subhash Barala are expected to be present. To retain power, BJP is expected to make a plethora of promises with a focus on the development agenda. PM Narendra Modi will kick start his campaign rally from Faridabad district’s Ballabhgarh on October 14, followed by rallies in Dadri, Thanesar, and Hisar on October 15.

Issue in Haryana’s Fatehabad Constituency

Implementation of Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 seems to have irked many in Haryana, making BJP candidate from Fatehabad Dudaram Bishnoi to assure voters of doing way with all the “small problems” such as the issuance of “challan to the motorcycle riders” by the authorities during a poll rally recently. Though his statement has been widely criticized, ground reality says that travel agency businesses are particularly unhappy about the MV Act 2019 and consequently the BJP government who have brought it into effect. Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has also taken a soft stand on the issue as he has asked the administration to focus on conducting awareness campaigns for informing people about traffic rules. Though some states have relaxed some regulations of the new MC Act, the Haryana government didn’t give any relaxation despite the polls being around the corner.

Senior Congress Leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda Confident of Forming the Next Haryana Government

Former CM and Congress candidate from Garhi Sampla-Kiloi constituency (in Rohtak district) Bhupinder Singh Hooda said in an interview that his party would form the next government in Haryana as people are actively supporting the Congress candidates across the state. He criticized the Khattar government for turning the state from being No. 1 in per capita investment to a leading state in terms of unemployment and crime.

Panchkula Assembly Constituency to Witness Tough Fight between BJP and Congress Heavyweights

The contest at the Panchkula Assembly constituency seems to have geared up after the entry of former Haryana Deputy Chief Minister Chander Mohan Bishnoi as the Congress candidate against the BJP chief whip Gian Chand Gupta. While BJP’s Gian Chand Gupta is seeking a reelection from the seat on the basis of the development works in the constituency in the last five years, Congress’s Chander Mohan is banking on his family’s contribution in the development of the constituency (especially the growth that Panchkula witnessed during the time of his father, former CM Late Bhajan Lal, around 2 decades back). In fact, he has managed to garner support from the prominent Congress leaders of Chandigarh unit such as ex-Union railways minister Pawan Kumar Bansal, Chandigarh Congress media coordinator Mukesh Bassi, and many more. However, the BJP nominee attacked the Congress candidate by saying that Panchkula remained neglected during the Congress regime.

Day 15

CEC Sunil Arora Reviews Arrangements to Deliver Smooth Assembly Election in Haryana

While addressing a press conference regarding the preparedness of the ensuing Haryana Assembly Election, Chief election commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora (with election commissioners Ashok Lavasa and Sushil Chandra by his side) said that the Election Commission is committed to delivering a free, fair, and transparent election. He stressed upon setting up an effective mechanism so that the electoral process can be conducted smoothly. The CEC also said that in their 2-day visit on Wednesday and Thursday they had a series of review meetings with state chief electoral officer, police officers, nodal officers (state-level bankers’ committee (SLBC)/ income tax/excise/taxation departments), and multiple political parties’ representatives. Sunil Arora also reportedly met Chief Secretary Keshani Anand Arora, additional chief secretary for home Navraj Sandhu, and DGP Manoj Yadava to review election arrangements. The Chief election commissioner also said that the political parties have requested deployment of adequate paramilitary forces and also asked him to have a look at the ongoing developmental works at various assembly constituencies.

Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar Exhumes Confidence of Retaining Power

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, during his visit to Jind and Kaithal districts, played down the speculation of his party’s decreased vote share in the upcoming assembly election and stressed that the people of Haryana had decided 6-months back that BJP is going to retain power. He called the JJP leader Dushyant Chautala a gossipmonger and reminded that Chautala had to apologize earlier for spreading fake news. Khattar appealed not to get influenced by Haryana’s gossip monger Dushyant Chautala and Congress’s Rahul Gandhi. The incumbent Haryana CM also stressed that during his tenure the jobs were given purely on merit instead of the earlier instances when it was provided on the basis of district, caste, and bag.

Congress releases Haryana Election Manifesto with Special Focus on Women

The Congress has released its manifesto today for the upcoming Haryana Assembly election and described it as a “Sankalp Patra”. While releasing the Congress manifesto, senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said that they have made a special focus on women. The manifesto promised 33% reservation for women in government/private jobs and a free ride for women on Haryana roadways buses. 50% of reservation for women is promised in local bodies including Panchayats, city councils, and municipal corporations. A loan waiver for farmers is promised by Haryana Congress chief Kumari Selja. Congress’s Sankalp Patra vouched to provide Rs. 12,000 annual scholarship to class 1-to-10 students belonging to SC and extremely backward class. It also promised to give Rs. 15,000 yearly scholarship to students of Class 11 and 12 from Scheduled Caste and extremely backward class.

Congress’s Bhupinder Singh Hooda is Confident of Winning his Home Constituency Again

The Haryana Congress veteran Bhupinder Singh Hooda (who was chief minister for two terms and was Member of Parliament for 4 terms) is confident of getting re-elected from the Jat-dominated Garhi Sampla-Kiloi assembly constituency in Rohtak district. The 72-year-old satrap called the incumbent Khattar government a non-performing one and lambasted the BJP for its “anti-people policies” and false promises. He also highlighted the Khattar government multiple scams “including the cash-for-jobs scam and the illegal mining scam”. Hooda had also promised to provide Rs 5,100 per month old-age pension if Congress wins the October 21 Assembly election.

BJP fields 27-year old, London-educated Nauksham Chaudhary to Make Inroads in the Punhana Seat

BJP has fielded a 27-year old, London-educated Nauksham Chaudhary to rest the Muslim-dominated Punhana assembly constituency in Haryana’s Mewat district from Mohammad Iliyas of Congress who won the seat in 2009. Though BJP has a poor track record in this underdeveloped and backward assembly constituency, Nauksham is pledging to spur development in the area upon winning. While facing the media, the BJP candidate said that she wants to “work for women empowerment in the area and education”.

Day 16

Amit Shah bashed Congress over their NRC and Article 370 remarks

Amit Shah on Wednesday, 09 October 10, 2019 held 3 rallies in Haryana. The rallies were held in Kaithal, Loharu and Meham. Shah questioned the Ex-Congress President Rahul Gandhi about his intentions when he opposed the abrogation of special status given to Jammu and Kashmir/Article 370. He further added that “those who abuse ‘Bharat Mata’ will be sent to Jail. If Rahul Gandhi opposes ‘Bharat Mata’, he will also be sent directly to the jail.” In one of his rallies he promised that all the people staying illegally in India will be sent back before the next parliamentary elections. He also defended the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his ‘shastra pooja’ at his rally. He also praised the honest governance of Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. He targeted the previous governments, calling the Ex Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh corrupt and labelled former Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala as a promoter of ‘goondagardi’.

Congress promises cash for the unemployed youth

Indian National Congress has almost made plans for cash incentives programs in the state of Haryana for the educated unemployed youth, elderly couples and housewives under certain guidelines. Apart from this they have also promised a loan waiver across the state within 24 hours of formation of their government. The estimated figures are; INR 10,000 to post graduate unemployed youth, INR 7,000 to graduate unemployed youth, INR 10,200 to elderly couples and INR 2000 to poor housewives to buy cooking fuel. The congress is still healing from the wounds given to the party due to internal disputes. As of now defeating BJP seems to be a mammoth task for Congress.

Former Finance Minister Sampat Singh joins hands with BJP

The former Haryana Finance Minister Sampat Singh has joined forces with BJP. This happened in the presence of the Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s rally on 09 October 10, 2019. Singh had allegedly quit congress over his snub during the ticket distribution in the state. He in his address told people “I have finally decided to help the candidates of BJP in Adampur, Fatehabad and Barwala constituencies.”

Day 17

Stalwarts kick off poll campaign, opposition targets BJP

The fierce electoral battle for the upcoming assembly elections has been heating up in both the states Maharashtra and Haryana. Two stalwarts of Indian politics Sharad Pawar and Amit Shah have also jumped into the political battle. They must show their canvassing skills as well as power of their vocal cords from today, October 9. Both the leaders will address rallies in different states. Pawar will remain busy in Maharashtra’s Akola and Washim. While the Home Minister Amit Shah will move to Haryana to kick off his election campaign. Shah will address a rally today in Haryana’s Kaithal. October 21 is the date of elections while three days later October 24 is going to be the day of judgement/result.

Kahttar works round the clock

State Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar is busy round the clock. He has been addressing six poll rallies in a day. Over the next few days, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with other top leaders of BJP will begin their campaign in Haryana.

Congress in canvassing mood

Star campaigners of the Congress party like Sonia Gandhi, former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh and Priyanka Gandhi, (hope of Congress revival in future) are also stepping up to canvass in the state.

Opposition hammers BJP

Opposition in Haryana has gone all out and targeted BJP over issues like increasing unemployment, farmers’ difficulties, scarcity of water in the state and other shortcomings. The opposition’s other main allegation is the non-fulfilment of poll promises.

Day 18

BJP ready to counter

Ruling party has been showing the other face of the coin to the voters like transparency in governance to control corruption in the state, scrapping of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir and so on.

INLD vanishing

Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), the big name in Haryana politics has almost vanished since 2014 assembly polls. In the last elections in the state this party received almost one-fourth of the votes. But tussle between chacha, bhatija duo Dushyant Chautala with uncle Abhay Chautala before the 2019 Lok Sabha polls led to the further debacle of the party. Dushyant was expelled from the party and launched a new party called Jannayak Janata Party (JJP). BJP seems to be the major beneficiary in the split of INLD.

Issue of encashment

The economic slowdown and rising prices of essential commodities including food items have been core issues for BJP to convince the voters that nothing is wrong. Opposition must encash these points to counter the BJP’s thunder in Haryana.

Day 19

Galaxy of top BJP leaders gear up to campaign in Haryana

Haryana assembly elections is just two weeks to away, star campaigners’ names of different parties are cropping up. Congress has already released 40 names, who will address election rallies for the upcoming assembly polls in Haryana on October 21. A cluster of top BJP leaders are warming up to raise their voice in every nook and cranny of Haryana to woo the voters.

PM to campaign

Prime minister Narendra Modi, the crowd puller will campaign in the state over the next few days. Modi is a wonderful orator; his mic skill can swing the pendulum in favour of BJP easily. He will address four rallies in Haryana over two days. His campaign will begin from Ballabhgarh in Faridabad district on October 14. While on October 15, it would be a hectic day for the prime minister as he must address three rallies Dadri, Thanesar and Hisar.

Party stalwarts to deliver speech

Union Home Minister and BJP president Amit Shah, party’s working president J P Nadda and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will also address election rallies in the upcoming polls in the state.

Day 20

Country comes first

Haryana Chief Minister and BJP leader Manohar Lal Khattar on Sunday said “When we say what should be given priority, we say country always comes first. On the other hand, Congress treats their leaders first, we say Bharat Mata Ki Jai, some in Congress say Sonia Mata Ki Jai,” Khattar said while campaigning in an election rally in Naraingarh in Ambala district.

Congress promises to waive loan

The Congress is trying to win the hearts of farmers. Haryana Congress chief Kumari Selja said that loan waiver promise would be part of the manifesto for the October 21 Haryana assembly polls and the document would be unveiled soon. She further added “The abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir is another tool the BJP is using to befool people,”

Aggressive mood

Aggressive moods of leaders have made the Haryana assembly polls more interesting. The Congress has been trying its best to outperform the ruling party. We must wait, because the day of judgement is on October 24.

Day 21

Congress submits 40-star campaigners list to EC

In Indian democracy election is like a chain event, once ticket distribution process is over, all the focus shifts towards the star campaigners to seek the support of voters. Like the release of candidates, Congress on Friday released its list of 40-star campaigners for the October 24, Haryana polls and submitted to the Election Commission (EC). Celebrities get ready for different parties to come on the road and convince people. Apart from the election time these star campaigners remain aloof, never mingle with ‘aam aadmi’. Angered former president of Congress Ashok Tanwar has been featured in this coveted list. The notable names in the campaigners list are including the former prime minister Manmohan Singh and interim Congress President Sonia Gandhi, ex-party president Rahul Gandhi and emerging and hope of the Congress of the future Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

All Congress CMs to deliver speech

All the Congress chief ministers have been included in the list except Puducherry CM Velu Narayanasamy. Local Haryana leaders, including Kumari Selja, Kuldeep Bishnoi and Randeep Surjewala have to raise voice above their pitch in order to challenge the main opponent in the upcoming elections in the state.

Sidhu not to campaign

Salman Khurshid, Anand Sharma and Jyotiraditya Scindia must gear up and push the throttle for campaigning in Haryana during the elections. The notable missing campaigner in this list is cricketer turned politician Navjot Singh Sidhu. This talkative leader made lots of fuss during the Lok Sabha polls without any positive result.

BJP ignores Jats

The BJP this time has fielded less non-Jats candidates compared to 2014 assembly polls in a view to give representation to other castes. The saffron outfit has distributed 19 tickets to Jats this time while 24 in the 2014 polls. Remember the Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar belongs to Punjabi community. As per the statistics, Jats constitute about 25% of the population in the state.

Day 22

BSF jawan triggers gun against Khattar

Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) declared the name of its 30candidates for the forthcoming Haryana elections on Thursday. The party leader Dushyant Chautala, is contesting the elections from the Uchana Kalana against BJP’s sitting MLA Prem Lata.

Dushyant lost in 2014

Dushyant lost to Prem Lata by 7,000 votes in the last assembly polls in the state in 2014. In this year’s Lok Sabha polls Dushyant tasted defeat at the hands of bureaucrat-turned-politician Brijendra Singh of the BJP from Hisar.

Ex-Jawan to contest against Khattar

In the 30 members list JJP fielded former BSF jawan Tej Bahadur Yadav from Karnal to fight against Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. Tej Bahadur came into limelight when he posted a video complaining about the quality of food served to the jawans. He was dismissed from the service in 2017.

Khattar assets

Meanwhil Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar declared his assets worth Rs 1.27 crore, while filing his nomination papers from Karnal. From 2014 to 2019 Khattar has made a leaps and bounds jump in accumulating property. According to the affidavit, his moveable assets grew from Rs 8,29,952 in 2014 to Rs 94,00,985 this year.

Ashok Tanwar unhappy

In Haryana, another senior leader of Congress, Ashok Tanwar has resigned. He accused that party was partial in the ticket distribution. Tanwar told reporters here on Thursday that he wrote a letter to Congress President Sonia Gandhi asking him to be relieved him from the committees and he would continue to work for the party like a normal worker.

INLD releases list

Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) on Wednesday released its first list of candidates for 64 seats. MLA and a prominent leader in the party, Abhay Singh Chautala will fight from his current seat Ellenabad. 11 women candidate names have come in the list. Om Prakash Chaulata earlier announced that the party will give tickets to 33 per cent women candidates. Several INLD leaders recently joined the BJP.

Day 23

Congress and BJP release full quota of seats in Haryana

Congress on Thursday announced its list of all 90 candidates for the upcoming Haryana assembly polls. The remaining six tickets have been released today, which have gone to Prahlad Singh Gillankhera (Fatehabad), Bishan Lal Saini (Radaur), Bhupendar Gangaur (Barwala), Venu Singla Aggarwal (Ambala Cantt), Mewa Singh (Ladwa) and Shamsher Singh Virk Gogi (Assandh). Meanwhile ex- chief minister Bhupinder Hooda has been fielded from his Garhi Sampla-Kiloi seat, while the party’s chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala is going to fight from Kaithal Assembly constituency.

Ex-CM’s children get tickets

Both the sons of former Chief Minister Bhajan Lal have got tickets from the Congress. Kuldeep Bishnoi and Chander Mohan will contest elections from Adampur, and Panchkula respectively. The son and the daughter-in-law of former chief minister Bansi Lal have also been able to get tickets from the grand old party.

Selja & Tanwar not in list

The notable names which are missing from the Congress list is Haryana Congress Chief Kumari Selja and former state unit chief Ashok Tanwar. 90-member Haryana Assembly polls is scheduled on October 21 and counting, and results will be declared on October 24.

Day 24

Money power & ticket

Former party Chief of Congress in Haryana, Ashok Tanwar and his supporters alleged that Sohna seat was sold for INR 5 crores. However, the current Haryana unit President Kumari Selja denied this. Reacting to allegations of cash for tickets by Ashok Tanwar, the Haryana unit Chief told the media that due process was followed for ticket distribution, all those talks about money exchanging hands were baseless.

BJP releases all names

With the release of remaining 12 names in the second list on Wednesday Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced all its 90 candidates’ name. Earlier, BJP had unveiled a list of 78 candidates on Monday. In the second list, the BJP has fielded Surendar Rana from Naraingarh, Pramod Viz from Panipat City, Nirmal Choudhary from Ganaur and Meena Narwal from Kharkhauda. Dudram Bishnoi has been nominated from Fatehabad seat, Sonali Phogat from Adampur, Shashiranjan Parmar from Tosham and Laxman Yadav from Kosli. Remember Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has been fielded from Karnal.

Eyes on October 24

BJP and Congress have fielded their best possible candidates in the hope to bring positive results. Both the factions need planning and shrewd strategy to entice the voters. Therefore, the ball is now in the court of public to judge their leaders and then elect them. The fate of all the players will be declared on October 24.

Day 25

BJP denies ticket to several sitting MLAs

Dangal (wrestling arena) is almost ready, final preparation is in full swing in Haryana for the upcoming assembly elections scheduled on October 21. Candidates names are being released to gear up for the polls. BJP has released its first list of 78 members for Haryana polls. The decision was taken when BJP’s Central Election Committee (CEC) meeting was held on Monday. Amit Shah chaired the meeting. Prime minister Narendra Modi and working president JP Nadda were also present.

Khattar to contest from Karnal

Chief minister of the state Manohar Lal Khattar is contesting from Karnal. There are some notable missing in the first list. Two ministers and seven sitting MLAs have failed to keep their boss happy enough to get ticket. Haryana assembly has 90 seats, the missing representatives name may come in the second list. But party high command has sounded an alarming bell.

No place for sitting MLAs

Vipul Goel, the present MLA from Faridabad, Rao Narbir Singh, who represented Badshahpur constituency in Gurgaon district failed to get ticket. Besides, Deputy Speaker Santosh Yadav, who represented Ateli constituency in Mahendergarh district, too were neglected by party to re-contest the forthcoming October 21 polls. Some of the representatives were deprived of tickets because they were not able to fulfil party’s expectations.

CM keeps remote control

Chief minister Khattar, who has firm grip in the state politics as well as party leadership to deliver positive results in the upcoming polls, played a key role in the selection of candidates. Some of the legislators, who have not got bus form their stand alleged that they had been facing step-motherly treatment from the own government for the last two years.

Sportspersons in poll fray

Some of the leading sportspersons of yesteryears, who recently joined the saffron party have bee able fielded from different constituencies. Wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt to compete from Baroda, ex-hockey captain Sandeep Singh will contest from Pehowa, and wrestler Babita Phogat will fight elections from Dadri.

Keep everyone happy

The target of BJP is to get at least 75 seats out 90 in the state. So party high command has given the representations to all communities to keep everyone happy. BJP has fielded nine women candidates and two muslims as well in its first list.

Day 26

BJP has released a list of 78 candidates for the state. CM Khattar will be contesting the elections again from the Karnal assembly seat.

Ticket seekers knocking doors of different parties

Political parties are pulling up their socks to finalise candidates’ names with good winning prospects as the poll date draws nearer. Ticket seekers have the herculean task to please their higher ups for a chance to fight in the upcoming polls. But the queue is too long, and to keep the flock together is becoming a tiresome job for the senior brass of the parties. The nomination process for the forthcoming Haryana assembly polls began on September 27.

BSP announces list

Meanwhile, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) on Sunday announced the list of 41 candidates for the Haryana polls scheduled on October 21. Party supremo Mayawati herself finalised the names of candidates.

BSP & JJP alliance

Last month, Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) led by Dushyant Chautala decided to fight elections with the Mayawati led Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). It is pertinent to note that out of 90 seats in Haryana, 17 are reserved for SCs and none for STs.

Day 27

BJP announces list of candidates

BJP has released a list of 78 candidates for the state. CM Khattar will be contesting the elections again from the Karnal assembly seat.  The Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar is almost certain of his party’s victory. He said, “BJP workers have set a target of winning more than 75 seats in the 90-member assembly and going by the party’s performance in the just concluded Lok Sabha elections, it is achievable”. Of late, Khattar has visited all the 90 constituencies to woo the voters during his Jan Ashirwad Yatra.

Congress & BSP hope for alliance

The Congress and  BSP were also in talks on Sunday for the pre-poll alliance. Stalwarts like former chief minister of Haryana, Bhupinder Singh Hooda, along with Mayawati and  newly-appointed state Congress president Kumari Selja, were present in the closed-door meeting. The final decision of this congregation has not been announced.

Day 28

Ticket for kin

Leaders from Haryana are trying their best to arrange tickets for their family members. Apart from this, sportspersons like former Indian hockey captain Sandeep Singh,  Olympic wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt and woman wrestler Babita Phogat, who recently shook hands with the BJP, are likely to be given tickets in Haryana assembly polls.

Day 29 Update

Poll activity hots up in Haryana

Seat-sharing controversy and violations of model code of conduct are part and parcel of elections in Indian democracy. The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), a minor outfit in Haryana is optimistic to be the BJP’a ally for the October 21 polls in the  state. But BJP is not showing much interest to join hands with SAD. BJP has decided to allocate only two seats to SAD, which is a hard pill for them to swallow.

SAD in talks with BJP

Meanwhile SAD’s General Secretary in-charge Balwinder Singh Bhunder said: ‘We have learnt about this only through the media. But as far as I know, no final decision has been taken by the BJP. Currently, we are still in talks with them on seat sharing issue’. It is expected if negotiations on seat sharing fail to bear any positive result then SAD will go it alone in the assembly elections in Haryana.

BJP may release list on Navratri

In a nutshell, BJP leaders are cautious in revealing anything regarding BJP-SAD alliance. State leaders of BJP are tight lipped, they only say seat-sharing decision will be taken by the party’s central leadership. As expected, BJP is set to release its first list of candidates in Haryana on the occasion of Navratri, which is beginning from September 29.

 Congress alleges violations of code of conduct

Meanwhile, Congress has complained to the Election Commission (EC) over alleged violations of the model code of conduct by chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar. The Congress has requested EC to stop fresh recruitments in government jobs, and tighten the screw on  misuse of government machinery. In a memorandum to EC, the Congress leaders of Haryana blame Khattar for writing letters to the farmers secretly and announcing new schemes for them.

Misuse of govt machinery

It is a trend that before the elections, opposition blames ruling party for the misuse of government machinery.  Congress has also demanded for the removal of political hoardings, which are featuring government’s achievements in public places. Opposition is unhappy with the function of the officials of Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) and Haryana Staff Selection Commission (HSSC). They are working just like the political agents of the BJP government in Haryana, says Congress.

Tug of war between  the ruling and opposition parties, which is an interesting part of democracy, is in full swing. It will get momentum gradually as polls date draws close.

Day 30 Update

Queue of ticket-seekers

Getting tickets from an established party is a hard nut to crack. Before polls, ticket-seekers have to run from pillar to post and approach one senior leader or the other to convince them somehow of their eligibility for a ticket.
Congress makes norms

This time, Congress has made some criteria for the ticket seekers for Haryana assembly polls. Several norms have been prepared for the prospective candidates. They must be clad in khadi, follow the lifestyle of Mahatma Gandhi, must be teetotallers, and should be secular from the bottom of the heart. In addition, in personal and public life they shouldn’t be in the habit of making any discrimination on the basis of caste, creed or religion.

Moreover, the candidates have to follow the party policies at all public platforms. The party has established a committee to closely scrutinise the ticket-seekers, so that only genuine candidates can fight elections. Bhupinder Singh Hooda, former chief minister and Ashok Tanwar, both are fighting to prove their superiority in the party. Hooda admitted that ‘I am not a leader of only Jats, rather of all the people’. Though he supported the scrapping of Article 370, at the moment he is ready to expose the slowdown of the economy and BJP government’s failure on all fronts, to get some momentum.

Mission 75 a trump card of BJP

BJP’s “Mission 75 plus” is another trump card to entice voters to retain power second time in a row. Chief Minister ML Khattar and his alliance have been trumpeting the government’s achievements in public. In the general elections in May, BJP bagged all the 10 Lok Sabha seats. But the ruling party may have to face the voters’ backlash of increasing unemployment, water issues, and non-fulfilment of earlier poll promises. The opposition will try to encash such issues, which will need quality leadership to convince people and leave their mark in the mind of voters.

AAP releases list

Meanwhile, trying to expand its sphere of influence beyond Delhi, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has declared the names of 22 candidates for the Assembly polls in Haryana. AAP’s Haryana unit president Naveen Jaihind released the list, which also includes three women.