CM Nayab Singh Saini’s administration has prioritised infrastructure improvements, industrial growth, and job creation.
The Bharatiya Janata Party has solidified its political dominance in Haryana through a well-crafted strategy focusing on development and socio-economic welfare. Under Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini’s leadership, the BJP has adeptly aligned its policies to meet the needs of the state’s diverse population, ensuring that both rural and urban voters find their aspirations fulfilled.
The contest between the BJP and Congress in Haryana was intensely competitive. In the recent elections, the BJP secured 39.94% of the vote share, narrowly edging out Congress, which garnered 39.09%. This slim margin underscores the fierce political rivalry in the state, with both national parties closely matched in voter support. The BJP’s vote share improved by 2.94% compared to the 2019 elections, highlighting the party’s strengthened support base and effective campaign strategies. This increase was crucial in maintaining the party’s competitive edge against Congress.
Returning to power for a third consecutive term, the BJP secured 48 out of 90 Assembly seats. This success was bolstered by significant wins in nine constituencies where it had never triumphed before, including Tosham, Narwana, Gohana, Samalakha, Kharkhoda, Safidon, Barwala, Dadri, and Faridabad NIT. These victories signal the party’s growing appeal across diverse regions of the state and showcase the effectiveness of its strategies under Saini’s leadership.
A central pillar of the BJP’s success in Haryana has been its relentless commitment to development. Saini’s administration has prioritised infrastructure improvements, industrial growth, and job creation. The enhancement of road networks and making Haryana a preferred destination for industrial investments reflect the party’s focus on turning development from a mere slogan into reality.
Under Saini’s leadership, the state has experienced significant progress in various development projects targeting both rural and urban areas. Initiatives focusing on irrigation, connectivity, and efficient public service delivery have resonated with voters. The influx of investments into Haryana has created jobs and strengthened the state’s economic standing.
Alongside development, the BJP’s emphasis on socio-economic welfare has significantly contributed to its electoral success. The Saini government has ensured that welfare schemes launched at both national and state levels reach the grassroots. Programs such as the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, Ayushman Bharat, and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana have been effectively implemented, benefitting farmers, labourers, and low-income families throughout the state.
A notable aspect of Saini’s leadership is the administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of marginalised communities, including Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes, and women. Haryana has also made strides with initiatives like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, which tackle long-standing gender inequalities, particularly in rural areas. By focusing on inclusive development, the BJP has widened its support base, appealing to a broader cross-section of the population.
Another significant factor in the BJP’s electoral success is its well-organised grassroots machinery. The party has refined its strategy for booth management and voter outreach through initiatives like the “panna pramukh” model, where dedicated local workers engage directly with voters, addressing their concerns and keeping them connected with the party.
Large-scale door-to-door campaigning in the final month proved vital in helping the BJP overcome anti-incumbency in southern Haryana. According to party workers, the grassroots mobilisation was further bolstered by close coordination between party functionaries and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) workers. Traditionally, the BJP conducts door-to-door meetings to motivate voters. This election cycle posed unique challenges, leading to a significant mobilisation of thousands of RSS volunteers who engaged in door-to-door campaigns for nearly a month. This concerted effort played a critical role in shifting voter sentiment and ultimately contributed to the BJP’s electoral success.
Saini has also prioritised strengthening the party’s local leadership. By empowering local leaders and ensuring they have the tools and resources to address their constituents’ needs, the BJP has maintained a continuous and direct connection with voters across the state. This grassroots strength has enabled the party to mobilise effectively, even in areas where traditional loyalties were divided.
Nayab Singh Saini’s clean image, pragmatic governance, and focus on development have made him a respected figure in Haryana’s political landscape. His commitment to transparency and good governance, along with a results-oriented approach, has fostered a sense of trust among the electorate.
Under Saini’s stewardship, the BJP has successfully woven the narrative of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas into its governance framework. This inclusive approach has solidified the party’s position as the preferred choice for voters seeking growth and stability.
In Haryana, where caste plays a pivotal role in both life and politics, Saini’s appointment as Chief Minister was a strategic move for the BJP. Historically, Jats, who constitute about 26-27% of the state’s population, have wielded political power. Congress has relied heavily on this voting bloc, but under Saini’s leadership, the BJP has focused on consolidating non-Jat votes.
Saini, hailing from the Other Backward Classes (OBC) community, which comprises about 40% of Haryana’s population, has brought significant advantages to the party. While his predecessor, Manohar Lal Khattar, was also a non-Jat, Khattar belonged to the smaller Khatri community. Saini’s OBC background, although not overtly highlighted, played a crucial role in rallying support.
To appeal to the OBC community, Saini implemented measures such as raising the income limit for the OBC creamy layer, offering subsidised LPG cylinders at Rs 500, providing free 100-square-yard plots to families below the poverty line, granting free bus travel up to 1,000 km, and assuring jobs for Agniveers. These initiatives not only contributed to the BJP’s success but also helped the party secure at least 10 seats in regions where it had never previously won.
Saini’s calculated approach has strengthened the BJP’s non-Jat base and shifted the political landscape in the state.
By addressing the specific needs of various voter segments and ensuring inclusive policies, the BJP has built a coalition of supporters across caste and community lines. This broad support base has been vital in securing consistent electoral victories.
Beyond party dynamics, Saini has made efforts to engage with disgruntled farmers, often referring to them as “mere bhai” (my brothers). His government has backed these sentiments with tangible actions, such as announcing a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for 10 additional crops. Just before the elections, the government emphasised that Haryana had offered its farmers higher MSP rates than neighbouring Punjab, demonstrating Saini’s commitment to addressing farmers’ concerns and fostering relationships with the agricultural community.
The BJP’s success in Haryana, under Nayab Singh Saini’s leadership, stands as a testament to its strategic focus on development, socio-economic welfare, and robust grassroots organisation. By ensuring that government policies directly enhance citizens’ lives and address the aspirations of various communities, the BJP has effectively strengthened its support base.
Savio Rodrigues is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Goa Chronicle.