BJP Targets 2024 Haryana Victory as Congress Grapples with Internal Conflicts

Projections for the 2024 Haryana Assembly elections suggest the BJP is positioned to pursue a third consecutive term, while Congress resurgence faces challenges. Voting will take place on October 5, with results expected on October 8.

Initially, Congress showed promise ahead of the elections, but candidate selection was influenced by internal dynamics. In the first list, 28 of the 32 candidates were current MLAs, mostly aligned with former CM Bhupendra Singh Hooda’s faction, while Kumari Selja’s faction secured only four spots, setting the tone for subsequent lists.

Although the BJP has criticised Congress for family-based politics, they too faced similar concerns. Family connections played a role in selecting candidates for 11 seats, including Bhavy Bishnoi in Adampur and the daughter of MP Rao Inderjit in Ahirwal. The grandson of former CM Bhajan Lal is also among the BJP candidates.

Both parties dealt with internal challenges after releasing their candidate lists. While the BJP successfully resolved most internal conflicts before finalising their list, Congress continues to experience factional dissent.

Family connections have had a greater impact on Congress, with 22 candidates being linked to established political families. For instance, Rajya Sabha MP Randeep Surjewala’s son Aditya is running in Kaithal, while MP Varun Chaudhary’s wife, Pooja, is contesting from Mullana (SC), and Mandeep Singh, son of a former minister, is running in Pihowa.

BJP’s Outlook
Having governed since 2014 and securing a second term in 2019, the BJP is seen as likely to retain power, benefiting from Congress’s internal struggles. Analysts note that family influences have weakened Congress’s standing, especially with the dominance of the Hooda faction in ticket allocation.

As the elections approach, the BJP appears in a stronger position than Congress, having effectively addressed early internal disagreements. Meanwhile, internal friction and family-based politics have hindered Congress’s potential, leaving the BJP in a favorable position for another term.

Source: https://www.oneindia.com/india/bjp-eyes-third-term-in-2024-haryana-elections-as-congress-struggles-with-internal-issues-011-3934307.html