ASSEMBLY POLL 2024: Stalwarts, newbies, caste dynamics make Kalayat contest interesting
The Kalayat Assembly segment is heading for a four-cornered contest in the upcoming Assembly elections, with prominent candidates from the BJP, Congress, AAP and INLD locking horns. The constituency, which has been a political battleground, is witnessing an interesting competition among political stalwarts and fresh faces, with caste dynamics playing a major role in determining the outcome.
BJP candidate and former minister Kamlesh Dhanda is contesting against Congress Hisar MP’s son and party candidate Vikas Saharan, AAP state senior vice-president Anurag Dhanda and INLD state president Ram Pal Majra. Congress rebels, including former MLA Satvinder Rana and Anita Dhull and BJP rebel Vinod Nirmal are also in the fray as Independent candidates, who may pose challenge to the BJP and Congress candidates.
Kamlesh Dhanda is banking on the development work done under the current regime, while Saharan, who is making his electoral debut in the segment, is accusing the BJP for neglecting the constituency over the years. Majra, who had switched to the INLD in March this year after quitting the BJP during the farmers’ agitation, is accusing the BJP and the Congress of ignoring the constituency. Majra had joined the BJP in 2019 after quitting the INLD. Anurag Dhanda is accusing the BJP, the Congress and the INLD for their failure to develop Kalayat.
“We have worked tirelessly for the betterment of Kalayat, from improving infrastructure to ensuring access to essential services. If elected, my focus will be to continue this momentum and take the development work even further. Our government has provided jobs to youth on the basis of merit by abolishing the ‘parchi and kharchi’ (recommendation and bribe) system,” said Dhanda.
“The BJP has failed to address the real issues of Kalayat, whether it’s unemployment, rural development, or healthcare. My aim is to bring Kalayat the attention and resources it deserves. I will implement the vision of my father by developing the constituency in an inclusive way,” said Saharan.
Majra targeted both the BJP and Congress for failing to develop the constituency. “Both the BJP and the Congress have ignored the people of Kalayat for far too long. I know the problems and issues of the people of my constituency. I am available round the clock for the people. I will bring major changes in development works if elected,” said Majra.
Anurag Dhanda said, “Be it Kamlesh Dhanda, Saharan’s father Jai Parkash or Majra, all had failed to bring real change what it deserves. If voted to power, I will try my best to bring about a change along with creating job opportunities.”
Political analysts suggest that the caste factor will play a critical role in this election, with a sizable presence of Jat, Rajput, and other communities shaping voter preferences. The constituency, which comprises the towns of Kalayat and Rajaund along with 64 villages, has a history of interesting contests.
“With the major players in the ring, Kalayat is set for an intense and unpredictable electoral battle,” said Ashok Atri, a political analyst and associate professor from RKSD College.
Intense, unpredictable electoral battle on cards
BJP candidate and former minister Kamlesh Dhanda is contesting against Congress Hisar MP’s son and party candidate Vikas Saharan, AAP state senior vice-president Anurag Dhanda and INLD state president Ram Pal Majra. Congress rebels, including former MLA Satvinder Rana and Anita Dhull and BJP rebel Vinod Nirmal are also in the fray as Independent candidates, who may pose challenge to the BJP and Congress candidates. “With major players in the ring, Kalayat is set for an intense and unpredictable electoral battle,” said Ashok Atri, a political analyst and associate professor from RKSD College.
