DHARAMSHALA: Did the alleged administrative mismanagement by the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led Congress government in Himachal Pradesh cost the party dear in the Assembly elections in neighbouring Haryana? At least that appears so if some of the comments on social media are to be believed.
In a surprising twist in the Haryana Assembly elections, the ruling BJP appears all set to form the government for the third consecutive term, despite exit polls having predicted a comfortable win for the Congress.
As of 1.15 pm on Tuesday (October 8, 2024), the BJP was leading in 51 of the state’s 90 constituencies, while the Congress is ahead in 33. The Independents were leading in three seats and the INLD and the BSP in one each.
This unexpected shift comes after exit polls had projected the Congress winning 55 seats — well above the 45-seat majority mark — while the BJP was forecast to secure just 26 seats. However, as the counting unfolds, it appears the BJP is on track to secure a third consecutive term in Haryana, defying expectations.
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BJP made Cong ‘mismanagement’ poll agenda
An analyst said one of the crucial elements fuelling the BJP’s strong performance was its strategic use of the alleged mismanagement by the Congress government in neighbouring Himachal Pradesh, led by Chief Minister Sukhu. The BJP had turned the financial struggles of Himachal, particularly the delayed payment of salaries and pensions of state employees, into a central talking point in both Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir campaigns.
Top BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP national president JP Nadda and Union Minister Amit Shah, repeatedly highlighted Himachal’s financial troubles, presenting it as evidence of the Congress’ broader incapacity to govern effectively. Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur was also vocal in the campaign, calling out the Congress for what he described as “economic mismanagement”.
Financial Crisis a national talking point
Himachal Pradesh made national headlines recently for delaying state employee salaries for the first time in history, with payments being issued on September 5 instead of the usual 1st. Pension payments were delayed as well, following on September 10.
The BJP framed these events as alleged evidence of a financial crisis under the Congress rule. In contrast, Chief Minister Sukhu defended the delays, stating they were part of a strategy to ensure financial discipline and avoid further loans and interest payments.
BJP spokesperson Randhir Sharma, speaking in Haryana, said, “The economic failure of the Himachal Pradesh Congress government is being showcased to demonstrate the Congress’ inability to manage the economy, which is resonating with voters here in Haryana.”
Congress attempts to counter BJP’s narrative
To mitigate the damage, the Congress had deployed Himachal CM Sukhu himself and former Union Minister Anand Sharma as star campaigners in Haryana. Sukhu sought to clarify that the delayed payments were a calculated move and not indicative of a larger financial crisis, while other Congress leaders argued that the BJP was politicising the issue to distract from local governance shortcomings.
Sanjauli mosque row too fuelled BJP’s campaign
The BJP also seized on the controversy surrounding the Sanjauli mosque in Himachal Pradesh, accusing the Congress of sending mixed signals on the sensitive issue. BJP leaders portrayed this as another example of the Congress’ failure to maintain clarity and unity in governance.
While Congress leaders continued to downplay the issue, the BJP used it effectively in its campaign rhetoric, further bolstering its position in Haryana and beyond.
