Haryana's Electoral History

• 01 Oct 2024

Why in News?

Haryana, a small yet politically significant state, has a history of frequent political defections, and its electoral landscape is influenced by key families and caste dynamics.

Key Points

• Birth of Haryana (1966):
  • Haryana was carved out of undivided Punjab on November 1, 1966.
  • Bhagwat Dayal Sharma, a former Labour Minister of Punjab, was appointed the first CM.
  • Initially, Haryana had 54 seats, increased to 81 in 1967, and 90 by 1977.
• Aaya Ram, Gaya Ram Phenomenon (1967):
  • Origin of Expression: Gaya Lal, an Independent MLA, switched parties multiple times in a single day.
  • Impact: The term "Aaya Ram, Gaya Ram" became a popular descriptor for political turncoats in India.
• Political Dominance of Key Leaders:
  • Bansi Lal (1968-1975): A Jat leader from Bhiwani, Bansi Lal held power until the Emergency.
  • Devi Lal (1977): Led Janata Party to victory post-Emergency; ousted by Bhajan Lal in 1979.
  • Bhajan Lal's Influence (1980-1982): Aligned with Indira Gandhi’s Congress, stayed in power despite frequent party shifts.
  • Lok Dal Dominance: Devi Lal's Lok Dal, in alliance with BJP, gained a majority in 1987.
  • V P Singh Era: Devi Lal supported V P Singh’s anti-corruption campaign, becoming Deputy PM, with son Om Prakash Chautala taking over Haryana.
  • Chautala's Multiple Terms: Om Prakash Chautala served as CM multiple times between 1989 and 1991.
  • Hooda's Era (2005-2014): Bhupinder Singh Hooda from Congress led the government, focusing on the Rohtak region.
  • BJP's Rise (2014): BJP won 47 seats, making Manohar Lal Khattar the first non-Jat CM of Haryana.
• Current Political Landscape (2024):
  • Rural-Urban Divide:
    • Urban Regions: Gurugram, Faridabad, Panipat have more industry and non-farming sectors.
    • Rural Belt: Central and southern areas like Rewari, Jind, Bhiwani, dominated by farming, with significant Jat population.
• Jat Belt Concerns:
  • Farmers' Protests: Resentment against farm laws, later repealed.
  • Agniveer Scheme: Concerns about job security for soldiers.
  • Wrestlers’ Protest: Anger over sexual harassment allegations against a BJP leader.
  • Unemployment: Youth dissatisfied with job opportunities.
• Urban Regions: Focus on infrastructure, employment, and governance.
• Caste Dynamics:
  • OBC Influence: Both BJP and Congress are courting OBC voters; Congress proposes a caste census and enhanced reservation limits.
  • Jat-Dalit Coalition: Congress is attempting to bridge historical divides between Jats and Dalits for electoral gains.