Political background of candidates in Haryana: a comparison

The political background of candidates in Haryana, particularly in the context of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, has been marked by a significant shift in the BJP’s strategy. The party has chosen candidates with strong family ties to politics, which marks a departure from its earlier stance of criticizing political families in the state. Here’s a comparison of the political backgrounds of some key candidates:

BJP Candidates

Ranjit Singh: Son of former Deputy PM Devi Lal, a prominent figure in Haryana politics. Ranjit Singh started his political career in 1987 when Devi Lal led the Lok Dal to a historic victory in the Assembly election by securing 85 seats (in alliance with the BJP) of 90 seats in Haryana.

Naveen Jindal: Son of former MP and Haryana minister Om Prakash Jindal. Naveen Jindal joined the BJP after quitting the Congress and was fielded from
Kurukshetra. He is the youngest child of former Haryana minister Savitri Jindal and late Om Prakash Jindal, who was also a minister in Haryana.

Rao Inderjit Singh: Carrying forward the legacy of his father Rao Birender Singh, a prominent figure in Haryana politics. Rao Inderjit Singh is the sitting MP from Gurgaon and has been a key figure in the state’s political landscape.

Ashok Tanwar: Son-in-law of former Congress leader Lalit Maken, who was also the son-in-law of former President Shankar Dayal Sharma. Ashok Tanwar joined the BJP after quitting the AAP and was fielded from Sirsa.

Congress Candidates

Deepender Hooda: Son of former CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda. Deepender Hooda has been a prominent figure in Haryana politics and has been involved in various political activities.

Kumari Selja: Daughter of former MP Dalbir Singh. Kumari Selja is a prominent figure in Haryana politics and has been involved in various political activities.

Varun Mulana: Son of former state Congress president Phool Chand Mulana. Varun Mulana is a young and rising figure in Haryana politics.

 Other Candidates

Banto Kataria: Widow of former MP Rattan Lal Kataria. Banto Kataria was fielded by the BJP from Ambala (Reserve) constituency in place of her husband, who died in May last year.

Rao Inderjit Singh: Carrying forward the legacy of his father Rao Birender Singh, a prominent figure in Haryana politics. Rao Inderjit Singh is the sitting MP from Gurgaon and has been a key figure in the state’s political landscape.

The comparison highlights the significant presence of family ties in the political backgrounds of candidates from both the BJP and the Congress. The BJP’s shift in strategy reflects a loss of moral high ground to attack rival political parties or leaders, as it has also chosen candidates with strong family ties to politics[4].