||Black and White Digital News ||

||October 10,2024||

In a significant political development, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is set to form the government in Haryana for the third consecutive time, with all three Independent MLAs—Savitri Jindal, Devender Kadyan, and Rajesh Joon—extending their support to the party. This endorsement secures a comfortable majority for the BJP, which won 48 seats in the recently concluded elections for the 90-member Haryana Assembly. With the support of the Independents, the BJP now enjoys a clear path to power, thwarting the Congress party’s bid to stage a comeback.

Breakdown of Independent Winners:

Savitri Jindal: Fought as an Independent candidate fromHisar.

Defeated Congress rival Ram Niwas Rara, with the BJP’s sitting legislator and minister Kamal Gupta finishing third.

Chairperson Emeritus of the Jindal Group, Ms. Jindal emphasized her support for the BJP in the interest of development. “I want development for Hisar and want it to become a beautiful city,” she remarked after announcing her support.

Devender Kadyan:

Contested as an Independent fromGanaur in Sonipat.

Entered the race after being denied a BJP ticket and managed to defeat his nearest Congress rival Kuldeep Sharma.

Mr. Kadyan’s decision to back the BJP marks a return to the fold, given his past affiliations with the party.

Rajesh Joon:A former Congress member, Joon ran as an Independent from Bahadurgarh in Jhajjar.

He triumphed over BJP’s Dinesh Kaushik, underscoring his influence in the region despite his breakaway status.

His support to the BJP was viewed as critical, given his standing as a Congress rebel.

Political Strategy and BJP’s Maneuvering:

On October 9, 2024, the two Independent MLAs, Devender Kadyan and Rajesh Joon, met with senior BJP leaders, including Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who served as the party’s election in-charge for Haryana, and Biplab Kumar Deb, former Tripura Chief Minister and co-incharge for the state. Following the meeting, the Independents officially declared their support for the BJP, ensuring a smoother formation of the government.

Shortly after, Savitri Jindal, whose decision was keenly awaited due to her stature and the close contest in Hisar, also joined hands with the BJP. She held a meeting with BJP leaders in the national capital, where her decision was confirmed.

BJP’s Victory Amid Anti-Incumbency:The BJP managed to secure a third consecutive term, defying anti-incumbency sentiments and overcoming a robust challenge from the Congress. Despite a reduction in its seat tally from previous elections, the party’s strategic alliances with Independents and its robust campaign management ensured its hold on power.

Congress’ Failed Comeback Attempt:The Congress, which had aimed to capitalize on perceived anti-incumbency and a divided voter base, fell short of expectations. Its inability to secure alliances with key Independent MLAs further diminished its prospects. The party’s campaign lacked the strategic finesse required to unseat a resilient BJP, which has now cemented its position for another five years.

Implications of Independent Support:The decision by the Independents to back the BJP carries significant weight. With a majority now secured, the BJP can move ahead confidently with its governance agenda. However, the support of these MLAs also indicates a more transactional political landscape, where Independents may play a pivotal role in shaping key policy decisions in their respective constituencies.

The backing of the Independents comes with potential bargaining chips—local development projects, greater say in governance, and possible ministerial berths. This arrangement underscores the growing influence of Independent MLAs in Haryana’s political ecosystem, where even a few seats can alter the dynamics of power.

BJP’s Leadership Strategy and Next Steps:As the BJP prepares to take charge, the focus will be on consolidating its base, addressing development needs, and countering opposition efforts to destabilize its rule. With seasoned leaders like Dharmendra Pradhan and Biplab Kumar Deb managing the post-election scenario, the BJP’s strategy has been to incorporate regional voices and placate dissent within the party and among allies.

The swearing-in ceremony is expected to take place soon, following which the BJP will formally announce its cabinet and governance agenda, with a clear emphasis on development, stability, and delivering on its electoral promises.

The support of Savitri Jindal, Devender Kadyan, and Rajesh Joon has not only secured the BJP’s majority in Haryana but also reinforced the party’s stature as a dominant political force in the state. With this third consecutive victory, the BJP has sent a strong message about its resilience and strategic acumen, setting the stage for a transformative governance agenda in Haryana over the next five years.