Assembly elections in Haryana are round the corner, with voting scheduled for October 5 and counting on October 8. Congress is making numerous promises to regain power after a decade. However, their track record of unfulfilled promises may hinder their efforts. Out of the total 90 assembly seats, Congress is contesting 89, leaving the Bhiwani seat for CPI(M). The majority mark stands at 46 seats.
In Rajasthan, Congress's failure to deliver on its promise of waiving farmers' loans has been a significant issue. During an election rally in Pokhran on November 26, Rahul Gandhi assured that loans would be waived within ten days if Congress won the 2018 Assembly Elections. Despite forming the government, this promise remained unfulfilled, leading to BJP's victory in 2023.
Unmet Promises in Himachal PradeshThe situation in Himachal Pradesh mirrors Rajasthan's scenario. In the November 2022 Assembly elections, Congress's ten guarantees helped them secure power. Priyanka Gandhi had promised employment for one lakh youth in the first cabinet meeting. However, this pledge remains incomplete even after the first meeting of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu's cabinet in January 2023.
Another unfulfilled promise in Himachal was providing a monthly pension of Rs 1500 to women. With a female population of approximately 36.9 lakh out of a total population of about 75 lakh, this promise was crucial. Although Congress initiated the Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi Yojana, it imposed conditions that limited its reach.
Challenges Faced by Government EmployeesGovernment employees in Himachal Pradesh have also faced issues regarding their salaries and financial benefits. State Electricity Pensioners have had to protest for their pending payments. They warned that if payments were not made by December 31, they would send their board cards to the Election Commission.
The BJP has also been active in Haryana's political landscape. Kanwaljit Ajrana from BJP refused to contest from Pehowa, while INLD-Halopa formed an alliance affecting various seats. JJP-ASP released their candidate list for Karnal, and Bhupinder Singh Hooda's net worth and legal cases have been highlighted.
Political Dynamics and AlliancesIn Kaithal, BJP's Lilaram Gurjar faces Congress' Aditya Surjewala, while Radaur sees BJP's Shyam Singh Rana against Congress' Bishan Lal Saini. In Kalka, BJP fielded Ambala Mayor Captain Abhimanyu against MLA Pradeep Chaudhary who switched from INLD to Congress.
AAP has also announced its fifth list of nine candidates for Haryana elections. Meanwhile, Congress accused BJP of dissolving the Haryana Assembly to hide their lack of majority. Former Deputy CM Dushyant Chautala claimed internal rifts within Congress and public support for JJP.
The upcoming elections are crucial for all parties involved as they navigate promises and alliances to secure victory in Haryana.