The 2024 Haryana election saw a stunning victory for the BJP, leaving Congress blindsided by the Sangh’s behind-the-scenes efforts. While Congress expected an easy win, BJP strategists, in collaboration with the RSS, executed a covert plan that turned the tide just in time.
Late-night strategy meeting
The turning point was a secret meeting held on July 29 at BJP’s headquarters on Ashoka Road. Prominent leaders from the BJP and RSS, including Arun Kumar (RSS’s Co-Sarkaryavah), B L Santosh, and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, mapped out the electoral strategy. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and former CM Manohar Lal Khattar also participated, outlining their roles. With oversight from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the strategy quietly moved forward under high-level approval.
Congress overconfidence and missed signals
Congress, believing the RSS had distanced itself from the BJP, was lulled into complacency. Their internal conflicts—particularly involving the Hooda family and other leaders—compounded their problems, leading to missteps in campaign planning and caste politics.
Silent groundwork by RSS and BJP
RSS volunteers actively engaged with discontented voters in rural and urban areas, explaining the BJP’s developmental achievements.
They promoted key national policies, such as Article 370’s abrogation and the Ram temple construction, steering voters towards BJP. The RSS’s focus on subtle messaging and community outreach proved effective, catching Congress unprepared as election day loomed.
Men behind the victory
- Amit Shah – Master strategist
Shah, known as BJP’s Chanakya, played a crucial behind-the-scenes role, guiding the campaign while staying out of the public eye. His experience in states like Uttar Pradesh proved invaluable in Haryana, ensuring meticulous execution. - Arun Kumar – RSS’s quiet operator
Arun Kumar, deeply rooted in the Sangh, was instrumental in bridging BJP and RSS efforts. His focus on engaging disillusioned communities through grassroots efforts ensured the BJP’s message resonated across voter segments. - Dharmendra Pradhan – Manager
A trusted lieutenant of Modi and Shah, Pradhan played a pivotal role in managing ticket distribution and resolving party disputes, ensuring internal cohesion throughout the campaign. - Satish Poonia – Jat politics navigator
Poonia, former Rajasthan BJP chief, handled Congress’s Jat-centric politics by promoting BJP’s OBC agenda with Nayab Singh Saini as the face.
His targeted outreach to marginalized communities helped BJP cut across caste lines. - Biplab Deb – Executor
Deb, former Tripura CM, was entrusted with overseeing Haryana elections. His experience in defeating entrenched political forces proved beneficial, ensuring BJP’s strategy was implemented effectively. - Manohar Lal Khattar – Silent worker
Khattar, a veteran BJP leader, operated under the radar, avoiding media distractions. His steady governance and connection with voters over his 9.5-year tenure solidified BJP’s credibility. - Nayab Singh Saini – Steadfast Chief Minister
Despite facing criticism, Saini maintained his composure throughout the campaign. His confidence in BJP’s strategy never wavered, ensuring his team remained focused and motivated till the end.