New Delhi: The Congress party has experienced a second consecutive electoral defeat in Haryana, as the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party secured victories in nine out of ten mayoral positions, including key areas such as Gurugram and Rohtak, which are considered strongholds of Bhupinder Hooda, a prominent leader within the opposition party.
An independent candidate, Dr. Inderjit Yadav, a former BJP member, claimed the tenth position in Manesar.
Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini expressed his elation over the significant victory, stating, “The electorate has endorsed a ‘triple-engine’ government. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the people.”
He further remarked, “Our local governance and this ‘triple-engine’ administration will be instrumental in realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a ‘viksit Bharat’ or developed India,” while addressing the media.
Following the victory, Haryana Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda assured the public of enhanced development for the state, attributing this to a “full public mandate.”
It is important to note that the Congress party, which faced defeat in the previous Assembly elections despite an early lead, has only previously contested local elections under its own symbol once.
In this instance, the party nominated several candidates, including one for the Mayor of Gurugram, marking a direct competition with the BJP for the position.
In response to the challenge, the BJP deployed prominent leaders from the state, including Rajasthan Chief Minister Nayab Saini and newly-elected Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, during the campaign. The Congress countered with former Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot and Mr. Hooda.
Ultimately, the results were decidedly in favor of the BJP, with the incumbent Raj Rani defeating Congress candidate Seema Pahuja by a margin exceeding one lakh votes.
Congress Defeated In Rohtak
The contest for the mayoral seat in Rohtak was, in theory, a five-way race involving the BJP, Congress, Aam Aadmi Party, Indian National Lok Dal, and an independent candidate.
This outcome is regarded as a significant setback for the Congress, particularly as it is considered Mr. Hooda’s stronghold.
BJP Secures Victory in Ambala, Leads in Faridabad
In Ambala, Shailja Sachdeva of the BJP was elected as Mayor, triumphing over Congress candidate Amisha Chawla by a margin of 20,487 votes. In Faridabad, Parveen Joshi also emerged victorious against Congress’ Lata Rani.
BJP Dominates in Hisar, Karnal, and Panipat
In Hisar, Praveen Popli from the BJP defeated Congress’ Krishan Singla.
In Karnal, Renu Bala Gupta of the BJP won against Congress’ Manoj Wadhwa.
In Panipat, Komal Saini from the BJP overcame Congress’ Savita Garg.
Senior BJP figure Rajiv Jain successfully faced off against Congress’ Komal Dewan in Sonipat.
Additionally, in Yamunanagar, Suman of the BJP secured victory over Congress’ Kirna Devi.
Haryana Local Body Elections
Voting took place on March 2 in Faridabad, Hisar, Rohtak, Karnal, and Yamunanagar, along with Gurugram and Manesar. By-elections for the mayoral positions in the Ambala and Sonipat corporations were conducted on the same day, while Panipat held its vote on March 9. Concurrently, elections for 21 municipal committees were also carried out.
The overall voter turnout was deemed disappointing, recorded at only 41 percent, marking a historic low in comparison to the 68 percent turnout during the Assembly elections.
A total of 26 ward members were elected unopposed, including Kuldeep Singh (Faridabad), Vikas Yadav (Gurugram), Sankalp Bhandari, and Sanjeev Kumar Mehta (Karnal), along with Bhavna (Yamunanagar), who all secured unopposed victories in their respective wards.
