On February 13, the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) had sent out tractor convoys to Delhi which ran into concrete walls and boulders at Shambhu near Ambala and Khanauri near Sangrur
Following the announcement of 2024 Lok Sabha elections, BJP and its former JJP candidates in Haryana have been facing the ire of farmers and villagers, forcing campaign activities under police protection. This increased security comes amid growing resentment over various issues including the Agniveer scheme, farmer protests, concerns voiced by women wrestlers, and unemployment among others.
Prominent figures like former Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, contesting from Karnal, and Ranjit Singh Chautala”s son, a former minister and candidate from Hisar, have encountered strong opposition from locals. Other BJP nominees such as Ashok Tanwar (Sirsa), Banto Kataria (Ambala), Mohan Lal Badoli (Sonipat), Arvind Sharma (Rohtak), Dharmbir Singh (Bhiwani-Mahendargarh), and Naveen Jindal (Kurukshetra) have faced similar challenges, leading to the cancellation of events on several occasions.
The BJP’s estranged ally, Jannayak Janta Party (JJP), has also seen its leaders, including Ajay Chautala, former Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala, MLA from Uchana Kalan, Digvijay Singh Chautala, and their mother Naina, an MLA from Badhra, along with the JJP candidate for Hisar Lok Sabha constituency, facing strong protests across various districts.
Amid these protests, BJP-JJP candidates have been canvassing alongside heightened police presence. Instances of locals heckling candidates have prompted police intervention to ensure safe passage through villages. Recently, a clash between Naina Chautala and farmers in Uchana Kalan led to the cancellation of an event in Roj Khera village, prompting heavy police deployment throughout her subsequent campaign activities.
Similar security measures have been implemented for Sonipat Lok Sabha candidate Mohan Lal Badoli, with police intervention witnessed in villages where farmers expressed discontent.
Congress candidates, on the other hand, are facing no such issues. They have strategically centered their campaign on issues stirring discontent among locals. Congress contenders are drawing attention to concerns over potential amendments to the Indian constitution, warning against perceived threats to the rights of various societal segments should BJP secure victory.
The challenges faced by BJP and JJP coincide with the ongoing farmers” agitation along the Punjab-Haryana border, now in its third month, marked by demands for legal assurance on minimum support prices and comprehensive debt relief among other issues.
On February 13, the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) had sent out tractor convoys to Delhi which ran into concrete walls and boulders at Shambhu near Ambala and Khanauri near Sangrur, a barrier that continues to hold them down.
KMM convener Sarvan Singh Pandher said, “We didn”t block the roads at Shambhu and Khanauri, it was the Haryana govt that did so. Now, when we reciprocate, they shouldn”t complain. If farmers can”t go to Delhi to protest, BJP campaigners can”t go to our villages for votes.”
Farm unions have also blocked BJP”s poll campaign in Punjab, which will vote on June 1. Haryana goes to polls in the sixth phase on May 25.
