Is it the Congress's overconfidence or its failure to stitch an alliance with its previous partner Aam Aadmi Party that led to its humiliating defeat in Haryana that resulted in the return of the BJP for the third, record consecutive term.
Political observers believe the sidelining of the main contenders like Kumari Selja, a prominent Dalit face and party’s Member of Parliament from Sirsa, is also one of the major reasons for the party’s defeat.
The BJP and the Congress were the two major players in the state. The BJP, in power in Haryana for 10 years, is seeking a hat-trick of victories, while the Congress was seeking a comeback after remaining in Opposition for two terms.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the Jannayak Janata Party (JJP) and the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) were also in the fray.
According to political analyst Lok Poll, BJP's narrative of Jat vs OBC (Other Backward Class) and Jat vs Jatavs (Scheduled Castes) resonated effectively during the campaigning, coupled with internal factionalism within the Congress and ticket distribution that led to the Congress loss.
“Underestimating the impact of third-party candidates and independents by assuming it would be a two-way contest,” it says.
“A touch of overconfidence after the Lok Sabha results and leadership that was too focused on individuals and one community. Other local factors like the influence of Dera Sacha Sauda at the last moment,” says Lok Poll, adding that the high command which didn't mind intervening at the right time to sort out the differences in the party like how they managed in states like Karnataka.
Poll observers attribute the BJP’s retaining the helm to learning from the past mistake of being over-confident and staying grounded. “The Congress became overconfident and rejected the AAP alliance and also sidelined main contenders like Kumari Selja,” says an observer.
He said AAP broke the votes for the Congress by contending on all 90 seats. “The caste card, wrestler card and Agniveer card were outright rejected by Haryana voters,” he added.
BSF jawan critically injured in suspected suicide attempt
A Border Security Force (BSF) jawan was critically injured after allegedly attempting suicide with his service rifle on Monday in Maharani, located in Tripura’s Gomati district.
‘One Nation, One Election’ will empower voters, save resources: Tripura CM
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha said on Sunday that frequent elections throughout the year hinder development work, waste financial resources, and disrupt normal life.
Bangladesh embankment: High-level team visit south Tripura, flood protection measures started
A high-level delegation on Sunday visited border town of Belonia, adjoining border villages and conducted an 'on the spot study', and possible effects on the Indian side due to the embankment being constructed by the Bangladesh government along Muhuri river, which divides the two countries.
Govt committed to preserve disappearing traditions: CM
Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha today said that the present government is sincere in preserving the culture, tradition, and heritage of people from all sections.
3 Bangladeshi nationals held at Agartala Railway Station
The arrested individuals have been identified as Kamrun Nesa (23) a resident of Dhaka, Md. Ismail Hossain (22) hailing from Chittagong and Mohammad Nur Hossain (25) also from Chittagong, Bangladesh.
Bangladeshi thieves nabbed, handed over to the BSF
Two Bangladeshi nationals were apprehended and severely beaten by residents of Nandalal Das Para in Ishanpur Gram Panchayat, under Tripura’s Mohanpur sub-division, after they were caught allegedly attempting theft. The area, located in West Tripura district, lies in close proximity to the Bangladesh border.
Waqf Act row: SC to hear on Monday PIL seeking judicial probe into Bengal violence
The Supreme Court is slated to hear on Monday a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking the formation of a five-member judicial enquiry commission under the chairmanship of a retired apex court judge to enquire into the violent protests erupted against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 in West Bengal’s Murshidabad.
Security forces intensify operations in Manipur, 11 insurgents arrested
Eleven insurgents have been arrested in Manipur and arms and ammunition recovered in the past 24 hours, said officials here, adding that top Army officers of the region have met Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla.