SCs Likely to Influence Outcome of Haryana Assembly Polls

The upcoming Haryana Assembly elections are poised for a challenging battle, with the Scheduled Castes (SCs) emerging as a critical factor in determining the electoral outcome. The state, with a significant SC population constituting around 20% as per the 2011 Census, has witnessed shifting political allegiances.

Following the recent Lok Sabha elections where the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) locked horns with a tie in seats won, the focus now shifts to the Assembly polls. The Congress and BJP, primarily relying on the Jat and Other Backward Class (OBC) vote banks, are gearing up for a fierce electoral showdown.

Political observers note that the SC community in Haryana has been instrumental in shaping electoral trends over the last decade. While the Congress made significant gains in the SC segment during the Lok Sabha polls, the dynamics are anticipated to shift in the run-up to the Assembly elections.

Key players in this political landscape include Kumari Selja, the SC leader and Member of Parliament from Sirsa, who is emerging as a strong contender for the Chief Ministerial position if the Congress secures victory. Selja’s clean image, youth appeal, and ambition for the top post position her as a frontrunner.

On the other hand, the BJP, under the leadership of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, has accelerated the delivery of welfare schemes targeted at the SC community. Initiatives such as the ‘quota within quota’ for SCs in educational institutions reflect the party’s commitment to addressing community needs.

As the political landscape evolves, alliances and strategies come to the forefront. With the Indian National Lok Dal and Bahujan Samaj Party joining forces in Haryana, and the entry of Chandra Shekhar Aazad’s Aazad Samaj Party, the battle for the SC vote bank is expected to intensify in the coming days.