Haryana: BJP suffers from division, Congress grapples with subtraction and AAP searches for multiplication

CHANDIGARH: In Haryana’s electoral battleground, the BJP is suffering from division, Congress grappling with subtraction, INLD vying for addition and AAP is searching for multiplication.

By fielding “outsiders”, especially former Congress candidates, the BJP is banking heavily on a perceived wave for its prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi to turn the tide in its favour. While some BJP veterans like Pradeep Sangwan have joined the Congress, others allege that some leaders at the Centre have deliberately fielded outsiders to ensure that the party does not win in Haryana.

However, Ram Bilash Sharma, president of the party’s state unit claims that “BJP will win all the ten seats in Haryana and with a record margin. Our candidates are very strong leaders and seasoned politicians.” The party’s ally in the state, Haryana Janhit Congress (HJC) has limited reach and popularity compared with the INLD.

The Congress is battling anti-incumbency and it could face the ire of the electorate because of “arbitrary” land acquisitions by the government, but it hopes its recent move to ensure reservations for Jats will work in its favour.

Analysts say the Congress is likely to see a decline in winning margin even in its strongholds.