In a strategic move aimed at maintaining its stronghold in Haryana, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today unveiled its second list of candidates for the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections, slated for October 5. The party announced 21 more candidates, taking the total to 87 for the 90-member assembly. The latest announcement underscores the BJP’s focus on strengthening its presence in key constituencies and pitting its seasoned leaders against formidable opponents from rival parties.
Captain Yogesh Bairagi vs. Olympian Vinesh Phogat: A High-Stakes Battle in Julana
One of the most high-profile contests shaping up in this election is in Julana, where the BJP has fielded Captain Yogesh Bairagi against the Olympic wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who is set to run on a Congress ticket. Phogat, a national icon and vocal advocate for social issues, presents a strong challenge to Bairagi, making this one of the most anticipated matchups.
While Bairagi has a background in military service, known for his discipline and dedication to public service, Phogat’s star power and connection with the youth and sports community make this a fiercely competitive seat. With Phogat making her political debut, the stakes are high for both parties.
BJP’s Strategic Fielding in Key Constituencies
The second list also includes prominent names like Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, who has been shifted from Karnal to the Ladwa seat. Saini’s political journey has been remarkable, having served as a Member of Parliament (MP) from Kurukshetra between 2019 and 2024. His move to Ladwa indicates the party’s desire to consolidate its presence in diverse regions of the state.
In the first list of 67 candidates, the BJP also announced that Om Prakash Dhankar, a former state BJP president and current national secretary of the party, will contest from Badli. Dhankar’s experience and stature in Haryana politics make him a key figure in the BJP’s electoral strategy. Similarly, Anil Vij, a veteran leader and former state minister, will contest from his traditional stronghold of Ambala Cantt, where he has a strong base of loyal supporters.
READ ALSO – BJP Releases First List of Candidates for Haryana Assembly Elections 2024
New Faces and Political Realignments
Several candidates in the BJP’s list are notable for their recent switch from other political parties, signaling the party’s successful efforts to attract political heavyweights from across the spectrum.
Devender Singh Babli, a former member of the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP), has been fielded in Tohana. Babli’s switch to the BJP has sent ripples across political circles, given his previous alignment with a rival faction. His move to the BJP highlights the ongoing realignment of political forces in Haryana ahead of the polls.
Another notable entrant is Shruti Choudhry, the granddaughter of former Haryana Chief Minister Bansi Lal. Choudhry, who joined the BJP earlier this year, will contest from Tosham, a significant constituency in Haryana politics. Her candidacy marks a generational shift, as she attempts to carry forward the political legacy of her grandfather while also aligning with the BJP’s vision for the state.
Additionally, the BJP has given a ticket to Aarti Singh Rao, the daughter of Union Minister Rao Inderjit Singh, from the Ateli seat. Rao Inderjit Singh’s influence in southern Haryana is well-known, and the inclusion of his daughter strengthens the party’s position in this region. The Ateli seat is strategically important, and the BJP’s choice reflects its desire to cement its dominance in southern Haryana, which has traditionally been a Congress stronghold.
Challenges and Opposition
As the BJP sets its sights on a third consecutive term in Haryana, the party faces tough competition from the Congress, which has gained momentum in recent months. The Congress’s efforts to field strong candidates like Vinesh Phogat and its focus on local issues have led to a resurgence in its popularity, particularly in rural areas.
The BJP’s challenge lies in countering this momentum and addressing issues such as unemployment, farmer discontent, and economic concerns. While the BJP has highlighted its development agenda, including infrastructure improvements and industrial growth, opposition parties have focused on issues like inflation and farmer protests, which remain sensitive topics in the state.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is also expected to make inroads in this election, further complicating the political landscape. Though the AAP has not yet released its full list of candidates, the party’s focus on education, healthcare, and corruption-free governance resonates with a section of the electorate, particularly in urban areas.
Looking Ahead: Election Day and Key Dates
With the release of this second list, the BJP has now declared candidates for 87 out of 90 seats, leaving just three seats to be announced. The party’s candidate selection process has focused on a mix of experienced leaders and fresh faces, aiming to balance political stability with the infusion of new energy.
The Haryana Assembly elections are scheduled to take place on October 5, and the results will be announced on October 8. This short window between voting and counting ensures that the political environment remains charged, with candidates campaigning aggressively until the last moment.
The BJP’s election campaign has been bolstered by high-profile leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who are expected to hold rallies and public meetings across the state. These efforts are designed to energize the party’s base and sway undecided voters.
A High-Stakes Battle for Haryana
As the BJP releases its second list of candidates, the political landscape in Haryana is set for a thrilling contest. With seasoned leaders, new entrants, and political heavyweights in the fray, the assembly polls promise to be closely fought.
The battle between Captain Yogesh Bairagi and Olympian Vinesh Phogat in Julana will be a focal point of the elections, but equally important will be the contests in constituencies like Ambala Cantt, Tosham, and Tohana, where political loyalties have shifted and new alliances have formed.
The BJP’s challenge is not just to retain power but to win a convincing mandate amid a resurgent Congress and other emerging forces. As the state heads to the polls, all eyes will be on the key constituencies that could determine the future of Haryana’s political landscape.
