The Haryana Assembly Elections 2024 are approaching, with voting scheduled for October 5 and the results to be declared on October 8. As the election heats up, the Congress party is making a concerted effort to reclaim power after a decade in opposition. They have put forward several promises to attract voters, but their track record of unfulfilled commitments in other states could pose significant challenges.
Congress’s Election Strategy in Haryana: Assembly Elections 2024
Out of the 90 assembly seats, the Congress party is contesting in 89 constituencies, leaving the Bhiwani seat for their ally, the CPI(M). The majority mark stands at 46 seats, which Congress must secure to return to power. However, the party’s history of unmet promises in states like Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh is likely to weigh heavily on voters’ minds.
Rajasthan’s Loan Waiver Failure: Assembly Elections 2024
In Rajasthan, Congress’s inability to deliver on its promise to waive farmers’ loans has been a major issue. During an election rally in Pokhran on November 26, 2018, Rahul Gandhi assured voters that farmers’ loans would be waived within 10 days if Congress came to power. Despite forming the government, this promise was never fulfilled, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among farmers. This unfulfilled pledge was a significant factor in the BJP’s success in the 2023 elections, which could resonate with voters in Haryana as well.
Himachal Pradesh: Unmet Guarantees
Similarly, in Himachal Pradesh, Congress’s campaign was centered around 10 key guarantees, helping them win the November 2022 Assembly Elections. Priyanka Gandhi had promised employment for one lakh youth in the first cabinet meeting, but this commitment remains incomplete even after the formation of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s cabinet in January 2023.
Another major promise was a monthly pension of Rs 1500 for women, a critical issue given the state’s 36.9 lakh female population. Although Congress launched the Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi Yojana, the program’s restrictive conditions limited its impact. Such broken promises may affect voter trust in Haryana as well.
Challenges Faced by Government Employees
In Himachal Pradesh, government employees have voiced concerns about pending salaries and financial benefits. State Electricity Pensioners even protested their overdue payments and warned of drastic measures if they were not addressed by December 31. The Congress party’s failure to resolve these issues further fuels discontent, which could influence Haryana’s government employees and voters.
Political Dynamics in Haryana: Assembly Elections 2024
As Congress gears up for the Haryana elections, they face fierce competition from other political forces. BJP’s Kanwaljit Ajrana has refused to contest from Pehowa, while the INLD-Halopa alliance is expected to influence several constituencies. The JJP-ASP alliance has released its candidate list for Karnal, adding more complexity to the race.
In key constituencies, high-profile candidates are set to clash. For example, in Kaithal, BJP’s Lilaram Gurjar is up against Congress’ Aditya Surjewala, while in Radaur, BJP’s Shyam Singh Rana faces Congress’ Bishan Lal Saini.
Meanwhile, the AAP has announced its fifth list of nine candidates for the Haryana elections. Adding to the tension, Congress has accused the BJP of dissolving the Haryana Assembly to conceal its lack of majority. Former Deputy CM Dushyant Chautala has pointed out internal rifts within Congress while claiming growing public support for the JJP.
Conclusion: Assembly Elections 2024
The Haryana Assembly Elections 2024 are shaping up to be a critical contest for all political parties involved. As Congress pushes for a comeback, their promises and alliances will be closely scrutinized. However, their track record of unfulfilled promises in Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh may cast a shadow over their prospects in Haryana, allowing rival parties to capitalize on voter discontent.
