Chandigarh: In a remarkable turnaround, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has clinched its third consecutive victory in the Haryana assembly elections, securing 48 seats. From its humble beginnings in the state with just six legislators in 2000, the BJP’s journey in Haryana politics has been one of resilience, strategy, and consistent growth. The party, once struggling to make a mark, has now firmly established itself as the dominant force in the region, overcoming significant challenges along the way.
The BJP’s Remarkable Rise
In the early 2000s, the BJP was far from a major player in Haryana politics. With just two seats in 2005 and four in 2009, the party’s presence was minimal. Yet, in 2014, buoyed by the Modi wave sweeping across India, the BJP managed to break through, winning 47 seats and forming a government on its own for the first time in the state. This was the start of the party’s dominance in Haryana, and since then, they haven’t looked back.
This year’s election results are particularly significant, with the BJP winning 48 seats – one more than its 2014 tally – despite facing anti-incumbency. The Congress, attempting a comeback, managed 37 seats, while the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), once a formidable regional party, secured only two seats. Three Independent candidates also emerged victorious.
A Journey of Perseverance
Before 2014, the BJP often played a secondary role in alliances, particularly with the INLD and the Haryana Vikas Party (now merged with the Congress). The 2014 elections marked a turning point when the party contested all 90 seats independently, setting a new precedent. This bold move paid off, as the BJP emerged victorious and ended its alliance-driven past.
In the 2019 elections, despite losing its majority, the BJP managed to retain power by forging an alliance with the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) and gaining support from Independents. However, this year’s election marks a return to strength, with the BJP securing enough seats to stand firmly on its own.
Challenges and Triumphs
This election saw the BJP contesting 89 of the 90 seats, with Sirsa being the exception due to its alliance with Gopal Kanda. Despite Kanda’s loss, the BJP’s overall performance has been hailed as a major achievement. Haryana Chief Minister Saini, thanking voters for the victory, emphasized that the result was a clear endorsement of the government’s policies under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Looking back, the party’s trajectory in Haryana has been one of ups and downs. After a strong showing in 1987, when it won 16 seats, the BJP’s fortunes dwindled, winning just two seats in 1991 and 11 in 1996. However, the determination to build a lasting political foundation in the state eventually bore fruit.
The Road Ahead
With this victory, the BJP has secured a hat-trick of wins in Haryana, a state that has often witnessed shifting political landscapes. The party’s ability to bounce back from challenging circumstances and grow its voter base over the years is a testament to its adaptability and perseverance. As the BJP gears up for future challenges, it is clear that the voters have expressed their continued faith in the party’s leadership, both at the state and national levels.
