No wave, local issues dominate

Ravinder Saini

The mood of voters in the Bhiwani-Mahendragarh parliamentary constituency of Haryana can be summed up with the remark of Anil Kaushik, a resident of Narnaul city, that “the Narendra Modi government at the Centre has created trouble for traders and the common man through GST and demonetisation.”

But in the same breath, Kaushik adds, “The Manohar Lal Khattar-led Haryana Government has, no doubt, earned praise from the people by ending the ‘parchi’ system (recommendation of politicians) in government jobs and transfer of teachers. This will benefit the BJP considerably in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.”

However, the Bhiwani-Mahendragarh parliamentary seat is a complex one and the voters’ mood differs in different parts of the constituency. Sentiments of the likes of Kaushik apart, the caste factor always plays a major role in elections in Haryana. This time, it is going to be more pronounced due to the impact the 2016 quota violence had on the social fabric of the state.

The constituency comprises three districts Mahendragarh, Bhiwani and Charkhi Dadri. The sentiment of voters in Mahendragarh — dominated by Ahirs — is a little different from Bhiwani and Charkhi Dadri districts where Jats are in majority. 

While the general sentiment  in non-Jat Mahendragarh seems in favour of the BJP, people in the rural areas of Bhiwani and Charkhi Dadri are upset over farm issues.

“Money is deducted from our bank accounts in the name of the crop insurance, but we face hardship when it comes to getting compensation in case of crop loss. The latest announcement of assured income of Rs 6,000 per year for small farmers is too little. The numerous illogical conditions that have been imposed will make a huge number of farmers ineligible for the scheme,” laments Naresh, a farmer from Bhandwa village in Charkhi Dadri. However, even the villagers applaud the Khattar government for transparency in government jobs.

Some residents of Gopi 

village, who were playing cards at the village bus stand, seemed pleased with the 

government. “I don’t know other things, but Khattar has done well by ensuring merit in recruitment. Now, children of poor people are getting government jobs. We are satisfied that our money being spent on coaching of our wards will not go waste,” comments Subhash.

Rajesh Panwar of Dadri is elated that his town has been accorded the status of district, but is apparently discontent with the government in terms of development. “Despite getting the status, Dadri is still crying for basic amenities. Locals have to go to either Rohtak or Bhiwani in most of the cases due to inadequate healthcare facilities in government health centres. Dirty water gets accumulated on roads due to improper drainage,” he adds.

Deep Chand from Kanina town in Mahendragarh says there is neither a Modi wave nor anti-incumbency in the constituency.

“Though local issues like construction of mini-secretariat and judicial complex in Kanina are yet to be resolved, the image of candidates and caste equations will play a role in the Lok Sabha elections. But better road connectivity  will give an edge to the BJP,” he adds.

In Bhiwani, hit by the Jat quota violence, the divide between Jats and non-Jats is palpable. “Both BJP and the Congress are playing politics of dividing voters on caste lines instead of talking about development. The caste factor will  be crucial in the Lok Sabha poll,” says Joginder of Bhiwani.

Key players
Cong | BJP | INLD | JJP

ASSEMBLY SEGMENTS

The Bhiwani-Mahendragarh constituency has nine Assembly segments that fall in three districts Bhiwani, Mahendragarh and Charkhi Dadri. Of nine, the BJP has six seats in its kitty and the INLD has two seats. The Congress has one seat. The BJP won all four seats of Mahendragarh district, including Mahendragarh, Narnaul, Ateli and Nangal Choudhary, besides Bhiwani and Badhra.  

Total voters: 15,85,289
Male: 8,42,337
Female: 7,42,952