Haryana assembly elections 2024: Haryana is scheduled to go for its Assembly elections on October 5, with results to be out on October 8. Congress is pushing hard to reclaim power after a ten-year gap. 

However, its track record of unfulfilled promises could be a serious challenge. Congress is contesting 89 of the 90 seats, leaving the CPI(M) with only one seat, Bhiwani. They need to win at least 46 seats for a majority, therefore this election is critical for the party.

The party's reputation took a hit in Rajasthan. At a rally in Pokhran on November 26, 2018, Rahul Gandhi stated that if the Congress won the state elections, farmers' loans would be waived within ten days. Despite winning and forming the government, this promise was not kept, leading to voter dissatisfaction and contributing to the BJP's victory in the 2023 election.

A similar situation was seen in Himachal Pradesh. In the November 2022 Assembly elections, Congress made various promises to win. 

Priyanka Gandhi promised jobs for one lakh youths in the first cabinet meeting, however, this commitment has yet to be fulfilled, even after Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu's first cabinet meeting in January 2023. Another promise was a monthly pension of Rs 1500 for women, which is significant given that nearly half of the state's population is women. The Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi Yojana was created by Congress, however, it has had limited impact due to restrictive conditions.

Government employees in Himachal Pradesh likewise experience challenges. State Electricity Pensioners have been protesting outstanding payments and have threatened to escalate their protests to the Election Commission if their dues are not paid by December 31.

Political dynamics in Haryana

Meanwhile, political tensions and alliances in Haryana are intensifying. 

The BJP's Kanwaljit Ajrana has withdrawn from the Pehowa seat, and the INLD-Halopa alliance is having an impact on several constituencies. JJP-ASP has released their candidate list for Karnal, and Bhupinder Singh Hooda's financial and legal problems are being closely followed. 

In Kaithal, BJP's Lilaram Gurjar will fight Congress' Aditya Surjewala, while in Radaur, BJP's Shyam Singh Rana will face Congress' Bishan Lal Saini. Ambala Mayor Captain Abhimanyu of the BJP is expected to challenge Kalka MLA Pradeep Chaudhary, who moved from INLD to Congress. The AAP has also announced its fifth list of nine candidates for the elections.

In the midst of these developments, Congress has been accusing the BJP of dissolving the Haryana Assembly in order to hide its lack of majority. Former Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala has highlighted internal rifts within Congress and stated that public support is shifting towards JJP. The approaching elections will be an important test for all parties as they navigate their promises and alliances in their fight for power.

- With inputs from agencies

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