In Ambala, BJP grapples with farmers’ protests, resurgent Congress

Facing significant anti-incumbency and ongoing farmers’ protests, BJP leaders are engaged in a prestige-driven battle across Ambala district.

The party, which dominated all four segments in the 2014 elections — Ambala City, Ambala Cantonment, Mullana, and Naraingarh — experienced a setback in 2019 when the Congress reclaimed two segments — Naraingarh and Mullana. The BJP managed to retain only Ambala City and Ambala Cantonment.

In Ambala City, BJP candidate Aseem Goel, vying for a third term, faces a direct contest with Congress’s Nirmal Singh. In 2019, Nirmal contested as an Independent, but now, running on a Congress ticket, he enjoys strong public support. Aseem, meanwhile, contends with anti-incumbency sentiments and backlash over the Shambhu border issue and the farmers’ protests.

In Ambala Cantonment, former Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij is eyeing a fourth consecutive victory but faces stiff competition from Congress rebel Chitra Sarwara, who is running as an Independent. Sarwara was Vij’s closest challenger in 2019. “I am confident in retaining my seat based on my record,” said Vij. However, Chitra, who has built a strong voter base, remains a formidable opponent. Congress candidate Parvinder Singh Pari is also vying for a strong performance in this closely watched contest.

The Naraingarh Assembly segment has been a headache for the BJP, given its poor showing in both previous Assembly and Lok Sabha elections. Congress candidate Shalley Chaudhary, wife of senior leader Ramkishan Gujjar, poses a serious threat to BJP’s candidate Dr Pawan Saini. Adding to the BJP’s woes, several party workers have switched allegiance to Congress. Meanwhile, BSP-INLD candidate Harbilas Rajjumajra is confident of mounting a strong challenge against both major parties.

In Mullana, Santosh Sarwan is again contesting for the BJP, hoping to replicate her 2014 success. However, she faces tough opposition from Congress candidate Pooja Chaudhry, wife of Ambala MP Varun Chaudhry.