Kalyan, Rathore set for face-off after 10 years

The political battleground in the Gharaunda Assembly segment is hotting up as two familiar faces — Harvinder Kalyan of the BJP and Virender Rathore of the Congress — are set to clash for the third time.

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Both candidates, veterans of local politics, are making an all-out effort to secure victory in what appears to be a direct contest between the BJP and Congress, with the AAP candidate Jaipal Sharma potentially influencing the outcome by splitting votes.

Sharma is contesting his second election against Kalyan and third against Rathore.

Harvinder Kalyan, a two-time MLA, has represented Gharaunda in the Haryana Assembly since 2014, winning consecutive elections on a BJP ticket.

In 2019, Kalyan secured a significant victory with a margin of 17,402 votes, polling 67,209 votes to defeat Congress candidate Anil Kumar, who garnered 49,807 votes.

Kalyan’s political journey began on a BSP ticket in 2009, but he finished third that year. Since joining the BJP, he has established a strong foothold in the constituency.

“Our government has always prioritised the development of Gharaunda. It has developed the area in an inclusive way without any discrimination. In the last 10 years, our government has given a boost to infrastructure, heath, education and others. The people know the work I have done, and I trust they will give me another chance to serve them,” said Kalyan, emphasising his commitment to continuing developmental projects.

Virender Rathore, a former AICC secretary, is aiming to break his losing streak in Gharaunda. Rathore has contested three elections previously — in 2005, 2009 and 2014 — without success. He did not contest in 2019, but this year, the Congress has once again placed its faith in him.

In 2009, Rathore came close to winning, losing by just 1,660 votes to INLD’s Narendra Sangwan. He secured 33,596 votes, while Kalyan trailed at the third place with 29,232 votes.

“I have been part of Gharaunda’s society for years and I understand the problems people face here. The BJP has failed to deliver on its promises, and people are full of anger. I am confident that this time, the people will trust me to bring real change and address their needs,” Rathore said, expressing hope of finally winning the seat after multiple attempts.

The entry of AAP’s Jaipal Sharma, a Brahmin candidate, who is also no stranger to the political arena, has made the contest interesting. Sharma is contesting his third election, having narrowly lost in 2005 as an independent by just 21 votes. He later joined the BJP and contested in 2009, but without success. This year, backed by the AAP, Sharma is aiming to make a significant impact and could potentially draw votes from both the BJP and Congress.

“I have always been connected to the grassroots, and people of this constituency know my commitment to their welfare. I narrowly missed victory in the past, but this time, with the AAP’s vision, I believe we can make a difference and bring real governance to Gharaunda,” said Sharma, optimistic about his chances.

BJP govt brought development to area

Our government has always prioritised the development of Gharaunda. In the last 10 years, it has given a boost to infrastructure, health, and education. The people know the work I have done, and will give me another chance to serve them. — Harvinder Kalyan, BJP candidate

BJP failed to deliver on its promises

I have been part of Gharaunda’s society for years and understand the problems people face here. The BJP has failed to deliver on its promises, and the people are angry. I am confident this time, people will trust me to bring real change. — Virender Rathore, congress candidate

Will bring real governance

I have always been connected to the grassroots, and people know my commitment to their welfare. I narrowly missed victory in the past, but this time, with the AAP’s vision, I believe we can make a difference and bring real governance to Gharaunda. — Jaipal Sharma, AAP candidate