The BJP has released its first list of 67 candidates for the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections scheduled for October 5th, covering most of the 90 Assembly constituencies. This move signals the party’s confidence after ruling the state for a decade.
Focus on Empowering Women
In a bid to address gender imbalance in Haryana, the BJP has fielded eight women candidates. With approximately 9.5 million women voters in the state, this is a strategic effort to strengthen the party’s appeal among female constituents.
Caste and Community Inclusivity
The BJP’s candidate selection highlights its focus on inclusion, with 17 representatives from backward communities such as Gurjar, Yadav, Kashyap, Kumhar, Kambboj, and Saini. Furthermore, 13 candidates from Scheduled Castes, including Balmiki, Dhanuk, Bawaria, Bajigar, and Jatav, have been nominated. This ensures a balanced representation and addresses concerns raised by the opposition over reservation policies.
Jat Community and Other Key Groups
The influential Jat community sees representation with 13 candidates. Other communities represented include Baniya, Vishnoi, Brahmin, Punjabi, Sikh, Rajput, and Jat Sikh. Additionally, the BJP has fielded five Vaishya and nine Brahmin candidates, ensuring a diverse mix across various social groups.
New Faces and Youth Representation
Of the candidates listed, 27 are fresh faces, many of whom are either young or recent entrants to the party. This strategy aims to engage younger voters and bring new perspectives to the BJP’s platform.
Candidates with Political Lineage
Despite earlier criticisms of nepotism, some candidates are tied to prominent political families. Figures such as Gaurav Gautam, Bhavya Bishnoi, and Randhir Panihar reflect the BJP’s effort to balance legacy with political experience.
Notable Additions and Absences
Unexpected names like Deepak Hooda, captain of the Indian Kabaddi team, are part of the candidate roster. However, well-known personalities such as Olympian wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt and Babita Phogat have been leftoff this year’s list.