New Delhi: The BJP has released its first list of candidates for the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections scheduled for October 5, 2024. This list includes candidates for 67 out of the 90 assembly seats in the state. The BJP aims to appeal to all community groups and secure a strong voter base with this diverse candidate list.
Diverse Candidate Representation
The BJP’s candidate list is the result of several rounds of discussions following the meeting of the Central Election Committee. The party has attempted to include representatives from various societal sectors, especially those who had a significant impact in the previous general elections. Efforts have been made to represent not only major communities but also smaller and marginalized ones.
Women Candidates
The BJP has given tickets to 8 women, aiming to attract female voters. According to the Election Commission’s voter list, there are 95,12,574 women voters in Haryana.
Backward Classes (OBC)
The list also addresses the representation of backward classes, with 9 candidates from communities such as Gujjar, Yadav, Kashyap, Kumhar, Kamboj, and Saini. This move is crucial as the BJP received limited support from the OBC voters in the previous general elections, securing only 5 out of 10 seats in Haryana.
Scheduled Castes (SC)
The Dalit community has been given significant representation with 13 out of the allocated 41 seats. Candidates from communities like Balmiki, Dhanuk, Bawaria, Bazigar, and Jatav are included.
Jat Community
In addition to targeting minority castes, the BJP has nominated 13 candidates from the Jat community, along with other major communities like Baniya, Vishnoi, Brahmin, Punjabi, Sikh, and Rajput.
Youth and New Faces
The list includes 27 new faces and provides opportunities for young candidates, reflecting an attempt to engage younger voters. This includes newcomers and recent additions to the party.
Relatives of Leaders
Despite accusations of nepotism often directed at other parties, the BJP has also nominated relatives of well-known leaders. This includes Gaurav Gautam, a close associate of Union Minister Amit Shah; Bhavya Bishnoi, son of former Chief Minister Bhajan Lal; and Randhir Panihar, a close family friend, among others.
Athletes as Candidates
The list features surprising entries such as Deepak Hooda, captain of the Indian Kabaddi team. However, former Olympian wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt did not receive a ticket, and Babita Phogat, known as “Dangal Girl,” was not given a second chance.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
