With only a few days left until the results of the Lok Sabha elections in Haryana are announced, political parties are making bold claims about their expected victories. Following the May 25 voting, parties have held review meetings to gauge their chances. Both the BJP and Congress are confident of securing at least eight seats between them, four each, according to their internal surveys.
A recent BJP review meeting in Panchkula, chaired by Chief Minister Nayab Singh, revealed the party’s strong positions in Karnal, Gurugram, Hisar, and Faridabad. However, the BJP’s internal report highlighted weaknesses in Rohtak and Sirsa. Despite these setbacks, the BJP anticipates winning the remaining seats, with a substantial margin expected in Karnal.
Similarly, the Congress’s internal report suggests the party will secure victories in Rohtak, Sonipat, Sirsa, and Bhiwani-Mahendragarh. Additionally, Congress sees a neck-and-neck competition with the BJP in Sonipat, Ambala, Kurukshetra, and Bhiwani-Mahendragarh.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate Sushil Gupta, part of the I.N.D.I. Alliance, is reportedly in a strong position against BJP and Indian National Lok Dal candidates Naveen Jindal and Abhay Chautala in a triangular contest in Kurukshetra.
Former Chief Minister and Congress stalwart Bhupinder Singh Hooda has gathered feedback from party MLAs across all 10 Lok Sabha seats. They reported tough competition in all constituencies, particularly in rural areas where increased voter turnout is believed to favour Congress.
In the BJP’s second term, continuous opposition from farmers, even after the withdrawal of the contentious agricultural laws, has strained relations with the rural community and the Jat community. The BJP’s review report acknowledges potential losses in rural areas due to these tensions.
Both parties have also exchanged allegations of bogus voting. Former CM Manohar Lal accused the Congress of electoral fraud, describing some officials as “black sheep” within the administration. Hooda responded by dismissing these allegations as a sign of BJP’s frustration and impending defeat.
Overall, the internal assessments from both parties suggest a highly competitive election with significant victories anticipated for each in specific constituencies, highlighting the ongoing battle for political dominance in Haryana.
