Haryana election results 2024: Bhajan Lal family faces significant defeat for first time in more than five decades

Haryana election results 2024: The Haryana Assembly elections 2024 have sent shockwaves through the state's political landscape, particularly among the influential 'Lal' dynasties that have long held sway over its electoral politics. For the first time in more than five decades, the Bhajan Lal family faced a significant defeat, losing their traditional stronghold in the Adampur constituency.

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.