Sumita Misra has been appointed Additional Chief Secretary and Financial Commissioner, Revenue and Disaster Management Department. Along with this, she will also look after the Health and Family Welfare, Medical Education and Research, and AYUSH departments. These additional portfolios were earlier held by Sudhir Rajpal, who has now been relieved of these charges.

Sudhir Rajpal has been posted as Additional Chief Secretary, Home, Jails, Criminal Investigation and Administration of Justice departments. He has also been entrusted with the additional responsibility of the Environment, Forests and Wildlife Department.

Arun Kumar Gupta has been appointed Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Haryana. He will simultaneously hold the additional charge of Additional Chief Secretary, Finance and Planning departments.

Saket Kumar has been posted as Commissioner and Secretary, Urban Local Bodies Department. He will continue to serve as Member Secretary of the Kurukshetra Development Board along with his existing duties.

In another key appointment, Ram Kumar Singh has been made Special Secretary in the Revenue and Disaster Management Department and Managing Director-cum-Chief Executive Officer of the Panchkula Metropolitan Development Authority.

Vinay Kumar has been posted as Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation, Panchkula. He will also handle the additional responsibilities of District Municipal Commissioner, Panchkula, and Officer on Special Duty, Haryana Staff Selection Commission. The transfer and posting orders were issued by Chief Secretary to the Government of Haryana, Anurag Rastogi.

Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji stood for truth, justice and religious freedom, sacrificing his life to protect these ideals. “Guru Tegh Bahadur ji considered the protection of truth, justice and faith as his dharma and laid down his life for it. Our government will continue to serve 'Guru Parampara' in the same spirit,” he said.

Referring to Kurukshetra as an important centre of Sikh and Sanatan heritage, the Prime Minister shared that the day was spiritually significant for him. “Earlier today, I was in Ayodhya, the land of Ramayana, and now I bow to the divine soil of Kurukshetra where Lord Krishna delivered the message of the Bhagavad Gita.”

Drawing parallels with modern India’s stance on national security, the Prime Minister also spoke about Operation Sindoor. “We want peace, but we do not compromise on our security. The May strikes are the biggest example. The world has seen that the new India neither fears nor bows down to terrorism,” he said.

PM Modi also inaugurated the newly built Panchjanya Smarak and visited the Mahabharata Experience Centre at Jyotisar. The centre, constructed at a cost of approximately Rs 206 crore, is designed to present the teachings of the Gita and the Mahabharata using state-of-the-art technology. The Panchjanya conch installed at the site symbolises purity, righteousness and the triumph of dharma. It features 18 engraved verses from the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita.

Governor Ashim Kumar Ghosh , Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, former Chief Minister and Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Kurukshetra MP Naveen Jindal accompanied the Prime Minister. All leaders were seen wearing saffron and yellow rumalas as a mark of reverence.

PM Modi concluded his speech by seeking blessings from the Sikh community and reaffirming the government's commitment to cultural preservation and spiritual legacy.

Presiding over a review meeting at his official residence, Sant Kabir Kutir, the Chief Minister directed officials to ensure maximum public participation, especially from school students and prominent citizens, to spread Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s message of sacrifice, courage, and universal brotherhood.

As part of the commemorative events, a blood donation camp will be organised in Ambala on November 1, to be inaugurated by the Chief Minister himself. On November 3, essay writing competitions based on Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s life will be held in schools across the state in Hindi, English, Punjabi, and Sanskrit. On November 5, appointment letters will be issued to families affected by the 1984 riots.

On November 8, a special prayer and yatra will be flagged off by the Chief Minister from Rori (Sirsa), followed by a national seminar on the lives of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, Bhai Sati Das Ji, Bhai Mati Das Ji, Bhai Dayala Ji, and Bhai Jetha Ji at Chaudhary Devi Lal University, Sirsa. A coffee table book in Hindi and Punjabi will also be released that day.

On November 9, Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar will flag off a marathon titled “Hind Di Chadar” from Karnal, while on November 11, CM Saini will flag off another yatra from Marwala in the Pinjore area. The journey will continue through different districts, including Faridabad on November 14, and will also feature a special event in village Barhkhalsa (Sonepat) honouring Dada Kushal Singh Dahiya.

A major highlight of the series will be on November 18, when the Chief Minister will lay the foundation stone of  Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji Forest and Wildlife Conservation Centre at Kalesar (Yamunanagar). On the same day, he will flag off another yatra from Kapalamochan, and attend a special programme in Pehowa dedicated to the Banjara and Lubana communities.

The commemorations will conclude with a Sarv Dharam Sammelan (Interfaith Conference) in Kurukshetra on November 24, followed by a grand closing ceremony on November 25, featuring musical performances, sand art shows, and a light and sound presentation. Over 350 girls will perform kirtan in traditional style, symbolising peace and devotion.

The decision came within hours of Haryana Director General of Police (DGP) Shatrujeet Kapur being sent on leave in connection with the case. Soon after, Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi issued formal orders to all Deputy Commissioners (DCs), directing them to cancel the one-year celebration programmes across districts, including the key event in Sonepat.

“There will be no one-year completion function either in Sonepat or in any other district on October 17,” Rastogi stated in the official communication. He also announced that the IAS Association’s annual Diwali dinner would not be held this year.

The cancellations come after Prime Minister Narendra Modi also called off his scheduled visit to Sonepat on the same day. The Prime Minister was to address the ‘Jan Vishwas – Jan Vikas’ programme at Rai Education City, a flagship event aimed at showcasing the state government’s achievements over the past year.

Kumar’s wife, senior IAS officer Amneet P Kumar, has accused top Haryana police officials, including DGP Kapur and Rohtak SP Narendra Bijarniya, of caste-based harassment and mental torture, allegedly driving her husband to take his own life. The family has refused to allow the postmortem and cremation until the officers are booked and arrested.

The resolution, unanimously passed by the House, expressed deep reverence for Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji’s unparalleled sacrifice for the protection of faith and freedom of conscience. It recalled Guru Sahib's supreme martyrdom in November 1675 at Delhi’s Chandni Chowk, where he laid down his life defending the right to religious freedom.

The Haryana Assembly also remembered the sacrifices of Bhai Mati Das and Bhai Sati Das, who attained martyrdom alongside Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji.

Highlighting Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s deep spiritual connection with Haryana, the resolution mentioned that during his journeys, he sanctified several places in the state, including Kurukshetra, Pehowa, Kaithal, Jind, Ambala, Cheeka, and Rohtak. The sacred gurdwaras located at these places—such as Gurdwara Sri Dhamtan Sahib and Gurdwara Sri Manji Sahib in Jind, and Gurdwara Sri Sheesh Ganj Sahib in Ambala—continue to remind people of Guru Sahib's teachings and blessings.

The House gratefully remembered the courageous role of Bhai Jaita Ji, who displayed unmatched bravery by carrying Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji’s sacred head from Delhi to Sri Anandpur Sahib.

The resolution also recalled the supreme sacrifice of Shaheed Kushal Singh Dahiya of village Barakhalsa in Sonipat district. He offered his own head to mislead Mughal soldiers, ensuring that Guru Sahib’s sacred head could be safely taken to Anandpur Sahib.

The Assembly paid heartfelt homage to Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji and resolved to commemorate Guru Sahib's 350th martyrdom year in a dignified and grand manner.

Demonstrating its strong commitment to green energy, Haryana has also resolved to solarise all government buildings by December 31, 2025, without seeking any Central Financial Assistance (CFA). A survey of 4,523 government buildings has already been completed, identifying a total solar potential of 122 MW.

This action plan was shared during a State-Level Coordination Committee (SLCC) meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi, where senior officials reviewed the scheme’s progress and discussed strategies for statewide implementation.

Speaking at the meeting, Chief Secretary Rastogi said, “Haryana is not just promoting solar power; we are making it accessible to households, especially in rural areas, in line with our vision of sustainable and inclusive development.”

Anil Vij said the history of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the 1857 freedom struggle would  come alive at the memorial. Paying homage to the statue of freedom fighter Rao Tula Ram installed at the memorial, he remembered his contributions. While inspecting various art galleries of the memorial, Minister Anil Vij took detailed information about the historical displays and issued necessary instructions after reviewing the progress of both civil and art-related works. He said a hydraulic lift capable of carrying 40 persons to the upper floors has been installed in the virtual theatre of the art museum, the first of its kind in India.

Anil Vij viewed the gallery prepared using Sarkanda artwork in the museum and immediately praised the artists’ work wholeheartedly. The use of Sarkanda art to depict history offers a unique experience for viewers. He mentioned that other galleries are being prepared in a similar fashion and will be completed soon. He also directed the artisans to finish the construction work at the earliest.

On this occasion, the Energy Minister said a meeting of senior officials related to the memorial would be held soon at the site to ensure the remaining works were completed in a coordinated manner. He said a 270-degree projector film would be shown in the memorial, which visitors would enjoy as they move to the second floor. Additionally, ramps and stairs had been arranged so that people could conveniently experience the grandeur of the memorial. Two high-speed lifts had been installed to reach the lotus-shaped platform, allowing visitors to reach the 12th floor within minutes, he added. 

He instructed officials to open a Sky Café on the 12th floor of the memorial tower so that visitors could sit and view the entire Ambala cantonment and surrounding areas. He also suggested installing binoculars to enable distant viewing. Vij said five domes had been constructed at different points of the martyrdom memorial, which would serve as selfie points.

 On this occasion, Vij saw a video of presentation of historical and artistic elements of the memorial. He instructed the officials to add more elements to the history. He said details of all locations where struggles for independence took place should be included and that two boards displaying the names of historians and other contributors involved in the creation of this memorial should be installed. Sh

Vij also gave instructions to level the area in front of the memorial, install railings, add more lighting at various points, plant attractive greenery in vacant areas, and carry out other necessary improvements. He stated that he wants the map of India as it was in 1857 to be prepared and displayed, so future generations can see what the country looked like at that time.

Dr Kuldeep Saini, Director of the Shaheed Smarak; Harpal Singh, Superintendent Engineer of the Public Works Department; Ritesh Aggarwal, Executive Engineer; Swarn Kaur, Municipal Council President; Lalta Prasad, Vice President; Ram Babu Yadav, Sanjeev Atri, Sanjeev Soni, Pravesh Sharma, Balit Nagpal, Jasbir Jassi, Gaurav Saini, Ashok Thakur and others.

As per the official order, the expelled members include former District Congress Committee (DCC) presidents Tarlochan Singh and Ashok Khurana from Karnal, as well as Pradeep Chaudhary, a Member of the Coordination Committee from the same district. Former District Youth Congress (DYC) president Madhu Chaudhary from Yamuna Nagar has also faced expulsion.

Additionally, Ram Niwas Rara, who earlier contested from the Hisar Assembly constituency, along with Harvinder (Lovely) and Ram Kishan Sain from Gurugram, have been removed from the party with immediate effect.

Meanwhile, Haryana Congress president Udai Bhan has raised concerns over the electoral process, questioning the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and the delayed announcement of results. He advocated for a return to ballot paper voting, citing similar practices in Uttarakhand and ongoing doubts regarding EVMs.

“We have demanded that ballot papers be used instead of EVMs, as concerns over their reliability have been raised in multiple elections,” Bhan stated. He also criticised the delayed result declaration, pointing out that local body election results are usually announced on the same day as voting.

In a related development, the Congress recently secured the Senior Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayor positions in the Chandigarh mayoral elections, while the BJP won the Mayor’s seat. AAP has expressed dissatisfaction, alleging that Congress had a covert understanding with the BJP.

The Haryana Municipal Corporation elections are set for March 2, 2025, with results scheduled to be announced on March 12, 2025.

अग्निवीरों को नहीं पड़ेगी सीईटी एग्जाम पास करने की जरुरत !

जानकारी के मुताबिक, हरियाणा स्टाफ सेलेक्शन कमीशन ने सीईटी संशोधन प्रस्ताव में इसे लेकर सुझाव दिया है, ऐसे में अगर हरियाणा सरकार इस पर फैसला लेती है तो अग्निवीरों को ग्रुप-सी के पदों पर भर्ती के लिए सीईटी एग्जाम देने की कोई जरुरत नहीं पड़ेगी।

ग्रुप-सी की भर्ती में अभी मिल रही इतनी छूट

ग्रुप-सी के पदों पर होने वाली भर्ती के लिए हरियाणा सरकार 5 फीसदी आरक्षण देने की घोषणा पहले ही कर चुकी है, इसके साथ ही अभ्यार्थियों को अधिकतम आयु सीमा में छूट देने की घोषणा की गई है. इसके तहत अग्निवीरों को 3 साल अतिरिक्त छूट हरियाणा सरकार दे रही है. इतना ही नहीं हरियाणा सरकार पहले ही पूर्व अग्निवीरों को राज्य पुलिस भर्ती और माइनिंग गार्ड भर्ती में 10 फीसदी आरक्षण देने का फैसला भी कर चुकी है।

केंद्र सरकार से भी अग्निवीरों को मिल रही है छूट

अग्निवीरों को कई भर्तियों में हरियाणा सरकार के अलावा केंद्र सरकार की ओर से भी आरक्षण दिया जा रहा है. इनमें बीएसएफ, सीआईएसएफ और सीआरपीएफ जैसी भर्ती शामिल है. इन भर्तियों में अग्निवीरों को आयु सीमा से लेकर फिजिकल टेस्ट तक में अतिरिक्त छूट दी जा रही है। 

He also mentioned that this free service would be extended to medical colleges in the future. After assuming charge, Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini accompanied all ministers for their joining formalities.

The Haryana Chief Minister conducted his first Cabinet meeting, where the Cabinet formally accepted the Supreme Court's decision regarding the sub-categorisation of Scheduled Caste (SC) reservations. The Haryana Cabinet decided to implement the ruling immediately, ensuring a fair distribution of benefits within the existing reservation system.

Currently, there is a 15% reservation for SC and a 7.5% reservation for ST communities. With the new decision, Haryana will be able to allocate specific quotas within this 22.5% reservation to those sub-groups within SCs and STs that have lesser representation in employment and education.

Addressing the issue of government job recruitments, CM Saini criticised the previous Congress government, accusing it of treating job distribution as a business. He said the Haryana Staff Selection Commission (HSSC) was perceived as a "shop." Regarding the upcoming Assembly session, CM Saini mentioned that the Cabinet discussed the matter, and a date would be finalised within 1-2 days, post-festivities. He also warned criminals to either leave the state or face strict action.

CM Nayab Saini's 5 key announcements post-Cabinet meeting

MSP procurement for farmers: The Haryana CM reassured farmers that every grain of their crop would be purchased at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). He claimed that the state aims to credit Rs 3,056 crore for paddy purchases into farmers' accounts. As of October 17, 3.44 lakh metric tonne of millet have arrived in the market, out of which over 2 lakh metric tonne have already been purchased, with Rs 331 crore transferred to farmers’ accounts.

Job recruitment without bribes

Emphasising transparency, Haryana CM Saini recalled his promise of creating 50,000 jobs, with 15,000 already provided and 25,000 more planned. He assured that job recruitments would be conducted without any monetary transactions. Saini also noted that he prioritised job delivery over his swearing-in, ensuring that 25,000 youths secured employment before officially taking the oath.

Criticism of Congress' job practices

The Haryana CM accused the Congress of using job distribution for personal gain, treating government jobs as a means of profit. He criticised their practice of involving the courts in recruitment processes, noting that the Congress aimed to allocate job quotas to each legislator when in power. He claimed that the BJP-led government, unlike the Congress, had gained the trust of the people by providing jobs without bribery.

Warning to Criminals

Haryana CM Saini issued a warning to those involved in criminal activities, advising them to leave the state or face stringent corrective actions. He highlighted the government's commitment to ensuring the safety and security of every resident.

Continuation of existing schemes

The Haryana Chief Minister assured that all existing welfare schemes would continue without interruption, stressing that good governance would remain the hallmark of his administration. 

Mamman Khan's win can be partially attributed to robust support from the local Muslim community, which constitutes roughly 80% of Nuh's population. However, there are claims that he has also garnered support from illegal Rohingya immigrants living in the area.

Rohingya refugee influx

Recent reports indicate that the demographic landscape in Haryana's Nuh is shifting due to an influx of illegal Rohingya migrants. Following the July violence, the police arrested several Rohingya refugees on suspicion of their involvement in the unrest. On October 7, 'Organiser Weekly; aired a video featuring a madarsa in Nuh allegedly catering to these illegal immigrants, where children were heard saying, "Non-believers will burn in hell."

In the video, teachers at the makeshift madarsa confirmed their origins from Myanmar and admitted to entering India illegally. They stated that they have faced no issues in Nuh and referred to themselves as 'Mehmaan' (guests). Interviews with children revealed their ambitions to become "Hafiz," people who memorise the Quran, rather than pursuing careers in fields like medicine or engineering.

One Rohingya refugee openly admitted to crossing into India illegally from Bangladesh in 2016 to escape violence in Myanmar. He acknowledged his lack of a passport or visa and that he relied on facilitators to cross the border. His only documentation is a UNHCR refugee card, raising significant concerns about the implications of unchecked immigration on local communities amid ongoing communal tensions.

These revelations present several challenging questions for the Congress party. Is the party intentionally supporting these outsiders? Why is Congress aligning with those sheltering Rohingyas? Are they leveraging Rohingyas as a potential vote bank? Will Congress clarify the Rohingyas' role in their recent electoral success?

But who is Nayab Singh Saini? And how did he pull of Mission Haryana?

Saini's gradual rise in the party accounts to his close association with Manohar Lal Khattar, who was also a member of RSS as a loyal swayamsevak. He joined the BJP with ML Khattar in 1994. Born on January 25,1970, Saini hails from Mirzapur Majra village in Ambala district. He earned his BA degree from the BR Ambedkar Bihar University in Muzaffarpur and a law degree from Chaudhary Charan Singh University in Meerut and began his association with both the BJP and its ideological parent, the RSS in 1996. Quietly churning through the ranks, he was appointed the general secretary of the BJP’s Yuva Morcha in 2002, and became the president of the same unit by 2005. Not to mention, Manohar Lal Khattar is one name who is fondly being associated for his later political ascent. 

After being defeated in 2009 assembly elections, five years later BJP rode to power and Saini was elected from Naraingarh defeating incumbent MLA Ram Kishan by over 24,000 votes. Owing to his close association with Khattar, he also secured ministerial berth. His biggest poll success accounts to 2019 when he was elected to Lok Sabha from Kurukshetra. Despite his role as sitting MP, he wasn't much noticeable.  Later in October 2023, Saini managed to secure the Haryana BJP chief position replacing heavyweight Om Dhankar with party's efforts to strengthen its hold over the OBC community and non-Jats.

The Saini community which the designate chief minister is from form close to 8 % population Haryana. The Sainis themselves are particularly considered influential in northern Haryana in districts such as Ambala, Kurukshetra, Hisar and Rewari. 

Political ascent in Haryana

Political picture in Haryana turned upside down with BJP replaced Khattar with Saini with just 2 month before Lok Sabha Polls. The BJP's change of guards in Haryana resulted in positive outcome when the saffron party secured third consecutive term in the state in assembly elections which no party could ever hold in the past. However, the move, it seemed, didn’t help the BJP in the general elections. The party suffered a setback winning just five of the 10 seats. Many fingers were pointed at Saini accounting him for the loss. Meanwhile Saini chose not to get swayed by the electoral defeat and starting working painstakingly in order to make sure the election tide turns in the direction of BJP. 

The legislators will now visit the Raj Bhawan to stake their claim to form the government in Haryana. The oath-taking ceremony is scheduled for tomorrow (October 17), Thursday, at 11 am. A large stage is being set up at Shalimar Ground in Panchkula for the ceremony, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with Chief Ministers from BJP and NDA-ruled states and 37 other leaders, will be present.

विधायक दल की बैठक में पहुंचे केंद्रीय गृह एवं सहकारिता मंत्री श्री @AmitShah जी मध्य प्रदेश के मुख्यमंत्री @DrMohanYadav51 जी।साथ में केंद्रीय मंत्री श्री श्री @mlkhattar जी उपस्थित है। pic.twitter.com/dcejKp4lWj

— Haryana BJP (@BJP4Haryana) October 16, 2024

After the meeting, Amit Shah said Anil Vij and Krishan Kumar Bedi proposed to appoint Naib Singh Saini as the leader of the BJP Legislative Party. Following the consensus of all MLAs, Naib Singh Saini has been elected as the leader of the legislative party.

In a surprising political turn, Nayab Singh Saini, once seen as a minor player under former Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, has emerged as a significant figure in Haryana. He led the BJP to its best performance in the Assembly elections, winning 48 seats and securing a 39.94% share of the votes.

Nayab Singh Saini has managed to counter a decade of possible anti-incumbency and is now recognised as one of the few chief ministers in the state to successfully defend their position. 

Saini was once chose by ML Khattar 

Saini was chosen by Manohar Lal Khattar, who was then a member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), as a loyal swayamsevak (volunteer) in the late 1980s. He joined the BJP with ML Khattar in 1994. His rise in the party was steady, but not very noticeable. When he was appointed the head of the BJP's Haryana unit in October last year, most people outside the party knew little about him, despite his role as the sitting MP from Kurukshetra.

Just six months later, as the BJP's central leadership decided to move ML Khattar to national politics, Saini was given control of the state. The party believed Saini, being from the Other Backward Classes (OBC), could unite rural non-Jat communities against the Congress party led by Bhupinder Singh Hooda, which had consolidated the Jat vote. However, some within the party viewed Saini, who lacked a strong community leadership presence, as a potential scapegoat in case of an expected electoral defeat. However, he proved his mettle and emerged as a significant figure in Haryana.

Kadyan, a BJP rebel, won from Ganaur as an Independent, while Joon beat his BJP rival to win in Bahadurgarh.

Savitri Jindal, India's richest woman, who joined the BJP in March but fought as an Independent after not getting a ticket, is also expected to support the BJP.

Badoli stated that talks are underway with Jindal to see if she wants to rejoin the BJP.

 Jindal, a former Congress minister, won the Hisar seat, which she previously held in 2005 and 2009. 

The BJP won a surprising victory in the Haryana elections yesterday, returning to power for the unprecedented third time in a row. According to sources, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini would seek a second term in office after leading the BJP to victory.

The Independents' backing will help the BJP, which is comfortably past halfway with 48 seats, strengthen its position in the 90-member assembly.

The Congress, which came in second place, has refused to accept the results, citing many irregularities in the counting process.

This electoral upheaval marks a pivotal shift, as prominent figures from the families of former Chief Ministers Bhajan Lal, Bansi Lal, and Devi Lal found themselves grappling with unexpected losses, while some of their political heirs managed to secure victories against the odds.

Historically, Haryana's politics have revolved around these three influential 'Lals'—Devi Lal, Bhajan Lal, and Bansi Lal—who have all served as chief ministers and shaped the state's political narrative since its inception in 1966. The recent election results, however, reveal a decline in the political fortunes of these dynasties, with many members of the 'Lal' families failing to connect with a changing electorate.

Bhajan Lal family faces historic losses

One of the most shocking results was the defeat of Bhajan Lal's grandson, Bhavya Bishnoi, in the Adampur seat. Once a bastion for the family, the Adampur constituency witnessed Bhavya losing to Congress candidate Chander Prakash by a narrow margin of just 1,268 votes. Having won the seat in the 2022 by-polls, Bhavya's fall from grace highlights the shifting political tides in Haryana. His father, Kuldeep Bishnoi, and grandfather, Bhajan Lal, had both represented the seat, making this loss particularly significant.

Adding to the drama, Bhavya’s uncle, Congress candidate Chander Mohan, won from the Panchkula constituency, further deepening the political crisis for the Bhajan Lal family.

The Decline of the Chautalas

The Chautala family, another key player in Haryana's political scene, also faced considerable setbacks. INLD leader Abhay Singh Chautala, who is Devi Lal’s grandson, lost his seat in Ellenabad while his cousin Digvijay Singh Chautala, who contested under the JJP banner, faced a humiliating defeat in Dabwali. This election marked a significant downturn for the Chautalas, who have historically been a formidable force in Haryana politics.

In Dabwali, Aditya Devi Lal, another member of the Chautala clan and a former BJP member, managed to secure victory, but the overall losses for the family paint a grim picture of their future prospects in Haryana. The JJP, led by Dushyant Chautala, failed to capitalise on their past successes, resulting in a disappointing performance.

The Bansi Lal legacy fades

Bansi Lal's political legacy also took a hit in this election cycle. The battle in the Tosham constituency between the grandchildren of Bansi Lal showcased the intensity of the family rivalry. Anirudh Chaudhary, a former treasurer of the BCCI and a Bansi Lal descendant, was defeated by his cousin Shruti Choudhry, the BJP candidate. Shruti’s victory underscores the waning influence of the Bansi Lal family in the region.

Voter sentiment shifts

Several factors contributed to the downfall of these dynastic families. The electorate's growing disenchantment with dynastic politics is one significant factor. As voters increasingly prioritise performance over lineage, candidates from political families are finding it harder to secure their traditional voter bases. The BJP's strategy of introducing fresh faces and distancing itself from old guard politics has also played a crucial role in shaping the electoral outcome.

The ruling BJP won 48 of the 89 seats it contested, reflecting a successful campaign that resonated with a wide array of voters. The party's ability to present a compelling narrative around development and governance proved effective, as they capitalised on the anti-incumbency sentiments surrounding the 'Lal' families.

Other prominent losses

The 2024 elections also saw significant losses for other members of Haryana's political elite. The Congress managed to secure 36 seats, with leaders like Randeep Singh Surjewala’s son, Aditya Surjewala, winning the Kaithal seat, further demonstrating that the younger generation of political leaders can prevail even against established dynasties.

In stark contrast, the JJP’s alliance with Chandra Shekhar Azad's Azad Samaj Party failed to deliver any seats, highlighting the disillusionment among voters with the party's leadership and strategy.

The BJP's strategy extended beyond just candidate selection; it included a significant shift in leadership, with Nayan Singh Saini replacing long-serving Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar just months before the elections, aiming to win over Haryana’s OBC voters amidst growing anti-incumbency sentiments. This approach, combined with a targeted campaign strategy focusing on non-Jat voters and a significant number of rallies, allowed the BJP to secure a strong foothold in a competitive political landscape, further highlighting the decline of the Jannayak Janata Party (JJP) and the challenges faced by the Congress party in mobilising support.

Here are the key factors that contributed to the BJP's victory in the 2024 Haryana elections:

60 new faces given opportunity, 34 won

Before the 2024 elections, the BJP introduced 60 new candidates across 90 seats. Out of these, 34 candidates emerged victorious. This means the party won about 56% of the seats it contested, while the success rate for the newly nominated candidates stood at around 57%. This strategy of changing candidates proved effective for the BJP.

Successful Bet on Changing CM 

Manohar Lal Khattar, who has a background in RSS and hails from the Punjabi community, served as Haryana's Chief Minister for nearly 9.5 years. Six months before the elections, in March 2024, Nayan Singh Saini was appointed as the new Chief Minister. This move aimed to appeal to Haryana's approximately 44% OBC population. Furthermore, surveys indicated an anti-incumbency wave against Khattar due to issues related to the farmer protests and the controversy involving female wrestlers. Notably, Khattar was largely absent from the campaign trail, with most campaign posters lacking his image. Prime Minister Narendra Modi held four rallies in Haryana, with Khattar present at only one of them. 

BJP's Jat vs Non-Jat formula proves successful for 3rd time

Haryana is home to 36 communities, with the Jats constituting the largest group at 27%. The BJP adopted a non-Jat political strategy, traditionally seen as a party for the upper castes, focusing on securing the votes of Brahmins, Punjabis, Baniyas, and Rajputs. Additionally, the party aimed to strengthen its appeal among the backward and Dalit voter bases. This formula has proven effective once again, following its success in the 2014 and 2019 elections.

A clear example of this strategy's impact can be seen in the scheduled caste (SC) population, which accounts for approximately 20% of Haryana's demographic and has 17 reserved seats. 

JJP's support base declines, benefiting BJP

In the 2019 elections, the Jannayak Janata Party (JJP) secured 10 seats, with victories in the Bagad, Bangar, and GT Road belts. However, in the 2024 elections, the JJP faced a complete rout, as BJP and Congress gained significant ground in all 10 of its former seats. The BJP managed to capture 4 seats, with 2 each from the Bangar and Bagad belts, while Congress won 6 seats, including 3 in the Bagad belt, 2 in the Bangar belt, and 1 in the GT Road belt.

After the 2019 elections, the BJP and JJP formed an alliance, leading to JJP's Dushyant Chautala becoming the Deputy Chief Minister. However, in March 2024, JJP decided to break the alliance and contest the elections independently. The benefits of the 2019 alliance shifted to the BJP in 2024, resulting in a significant loss for the JJP.

BJP's 150 rallies outnumber Congress' 70 campaign events

In Haryana, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) conducted approximately 150 rallies, significantly outpacing the Congress party's 70 campaign events. Among these rallies, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held 4, and Home Minister Amit Shah conducted 10, with Modi covering around 20 key constituencies, securing victories in 10 of them. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also participated in more than five rallies, alongside over 40 central ministers and MPs who rallied support for the BJP.

In contrast, Congress managed only 70 gatherings, including 4 rallies and 2 roadshows led by opposition leader Rahul Gandhi. Priyanka Gandhi conducted 2 rallies and participated in one roadshow with Rahul. Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge also held 2 rallies. The disparity in campaign efforts between BJP and Congress—150 rallies to 70—played a crucial role in shaping the electoral landscape in this election.

In the Assembly election results announced on October 8, the BJP secured a total of 48 seats in Haryana. In comparison, the party won 40 seats in 2019 and 47 seats in 2014.  This time, the BJP managed to win 22 new seats while also retaining 26 existing ones

BJP retained 67% of its existing seats and won 22 new seats

In the 2019 Assembly elections in Haryana, the BJP won 40 seats. By 2024, it managed to retain 27 of those seats, meaning the party held onto 2 out of every 3 seats. Additionally, it secured 22 new seats.

On the other hand, while the Congress won 19 new seats, it failed to retain 50% of its previous seats, which minimised the overall benefit of the new gains.

BJP increased its seats in 4 out of 7 regions in Haryana

Haryana is divided into seven cultural and political zones. Compared to 2019, the BJP has increased its seat count in four of these regions. However, there was no change in the number of seats in the Bagad, South Haryana, and Mewat Belt regions.

GT Road Belt: Key region with a Punjabi majority

The GT Road Belt in Haryana includes six districts along the road from Delhi to Chandigarh: Panchkula, Kurukshetra, Panipat, Yamunanagar, Karnal, and Ambala, encompassing a total of 23 seats. A significant portion of the population in these districts comprises Punjabis who migrated from Pakistan during the 1947 partition. In the 2014 elections, the BJP won 21 seats from this region, which dropped to 12 in 2019. This time, the BJP managed to secure 14 seats in the GT Road Belt.

Bangar Belt: The Bangar Belt includes two Haryana districts, Jind and Kaithal, which border Punjab. These districts have a total of nine assembly seats. In 2014, the BJP won two of these seats, and in 2019, they won three. In the 2024 elections, the BJP improved its tally to five seats, gaining two additional seats. This area is known for its high groundwater levels, with agriculture being the primary occupation.

Deshwal Belt: Also known as Jatland, this belt covers the districts of Rohtak, Jhajjar, and Sonipat, comprising 14 Assembly seats. The BJP won four seats here in 2014 but managed only two in 2019. In the 2024 Assembly elections, the BJP regained ground, winning four seats again.

Bagar Belt: The Bagar Belt, bordering Rajasthan and Punjab, includes five districts—Hisar, Sirsa, Fatehabad, Bhiwani, and Charkhi Dadri—with a total of 21 Assembly seats. This area has a significant presence of Jat voters, alongside Bagri-speaking and Punjabi communities. The BJP won six seats from this belt in 2014 and increased that to eight in 2019. In 2024, the BJP maintained its position, securing eight seats again. 

Ahirwal Belt: The Ahirwal Belt, dominated by Ahir communities, consists of Rewari, Mahendragarh, and Gurugram districts, with a total of 11 Assembly seats. The BJP won all 11 seats in 2014 but saw its tally drop to eight in 2019. In the recent elections, the party made a comeback, winning 10 seats in this belt.

South Haryana: This region includes the districts of Palwal and Faridabad, which border Uttar Pradesh. The area is influenced by the Braj language, with Gurjar voters playing a decisive role across its nine seats. The BJP won just three seats here in 2014 but improved to seven in 2019. In 2024, the party maintained its hold, again winning seven seats.

Mewat: Known as the 'Meo' region of Haryana, Mewat includes the Muslim-majority district of Nuh, with a total of three Assembly seats. The BJP failed to secure any seats here in both 2014 and 2019, and the 2024 elections saw no change, with the party again unable to gain a foothold. Approximately 70% of the population in Mewat is Muslim.

BJP wins 7 new seats in Jat strongholds

In Haryana, the BJP contested the elections for the third consecutive time using its ‘Jat versus non-Jat’ strategy.

The party won a total of 22 new seats, including seven in the Jat-dominated Bagar and Deshwal belts. Additionally, experts had considered the Punjabi and urban-dominated GT Road Belt a weak area for the BJP, but the party managed to secure seven  new seats there as well.

Savitri Jindal, mother of BJP’s Kurukshetra MP Naveen Jindal faced off against Kamal Gupta, a senior BJP leader and sitting MLA. Her decision to contest as an independent candidate came after she was unable to secure a ticket from the BJP.

In an interview earlier, Savitri Jindal had said the "people of Hisar are my family" and it was their support that motivated her to run. She pledged to actively represent their interests in the state assembly if elected.

With a net worth of $36.3 billion, as per the Bloomberg Billionaires Index released on September 28, Savitri Jindal is not only the wealthiest woman in India but also ranks as the fifth-richest Indian overall. Her business empire spans steel production, power generation, mining, and port operations, a responsibility she assumed following the death of her husband, Om Prakash Jindal, in 2005.

She is also a recipient of several honours, including the prestigious Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award, making her a role model for women entrepreneurs and leaders around the world.

In his first remarks after the win, Saini said, “I will go to take the certificate and then offer prayers to Lord Krishna at Jyotisar temple. The 2.80 crore people of Haryana have chosen this government, and we will move forward under the leadership of PM Modi.”

The newly re-elected CM also shared that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had spoken with him following the results, offering his blessings. “He (PM Modi) spoke to me and gave his blessings. I had faith that the poor, farmers, and the youth of Haryana would support me,” Saini added.

Congress leaders pointed out that while several rounds of counting had been completed, the EC was only updating trends for a limited number of rounds. AICC general secretary Jairam Ramesh took to social media, questioning, “Like the Lok Sabha elections, in Haryana we are again witnessing a slowdown in the uploading of up-to-date trends on the ECI website. Is the BJP trying to exert pressure on the administration by sharing outdated and misleading trends?” He tagged the EC in his post.

Congress media chairman Pawan Khera said even when 15 rounds of counting had been completed, only the initial rounds reflected on the EC's website. “Why is there this mismatch?” Khera asked, seeking clarity on the situation.

As of now, the Election Commission has not responded to the allegations made by the Congress party.