Haryana diary: Hyperactive vs. dormant campaign style

Faridabad: The civic body poll campaigns in Faridabad highlight a stark contrast in strategies. Ruling party candidates are aggressively using media platforms, roadshows and large-scale events to attract voter attention. In contrast, Opposition candidates from Congress, AAP and BSP are relying on grassroots tactics like door-to-door visits and personal outreach, avoiding high-profile media campaigns. A political activist said, “The CM’s recent roadshow reflects the hyperactive campaigning style of the ruling party.”

War of words continue between Arora, Sudha

Kurukshetra: The rivalry between Congress MLA Ashok Arora and former BJP MLA Subhash Sudha shows no signs of cooling, even months after the Assembly elections. The upcoming civic polls have reignited their public feud, as both leaders use the platform to settle political scores. Arora aims to solidify his hold in Thanesar while Sudha is determined to reclaim influence for his party, making the local elections a personal battle of prestige.

No friend or enemy in politics

Yamunanagar: In a classic display of political pragmatism, former Congress MLA Bishan Lal Saini joined BJP in Jagadhri, just months after contesting against BJP’s Shyam Singh Rana in the 2024 Assembly elections. Now allied with his former rival, Saini even shared the stage with Rana during a campaign for Radaur Municipal Committee chairman. “In politics, there is neither any friend nor enemy,” quipped a political observer, capturing the essence of Saini’s swift shift in loyalties.

Edge for BJP as Cong lags in naming candidates

Panipat: With civic polls fast approaching, BJP has gained a head start in Panipat, announcing its mayoral and councillor candidates eight days ago and launching full-fledged campaigns. Meanwhile, Congress is yet to finalise its candidates for the mayoral race and 26 wards, leaving its own leaders frustrated. Party insiders fear the delay could cost Congress heavily in the elections, as BJP solidifies its presence among voters.

Chandra’s selective support shapes Hisar polls

Hisar: Former Rajya Sabha MP and Zee Group owner Subhash Chandra has once again made his political preferences known, endorsing candidates for the Hisar Municipal Corporation polls. While refraining from backing BJP’s mayoral candidate Praveen Popli, Chandra has publicly supported Jindal-backed candidates Navin (Ward 20) and Jagmohan Mittal (Ward 12). “Though my team hasn’t decided on the mayor yet, I urge voters to support these corporator candidates,” Chandra posted on X. His selective support could play a decisive role in the local polls.

Contributed by Bijendra Ahlawat, Nitish Sharma, Shiv Kumar Sharma, Mukesh Tandon and Deepender Deswal