Chandigarh, October 13
Campaigning for the Assembly elections ended at 6 pm today, Chief Electoral Officer Shrikant Walgad said.

No party or candidate could now telecast any advertisement or do any publicity on the electronic media. Besides, rallies and public meetings related to elections too had been banned. A constant vigil is being kept on every person and vehicles in border areas of Haryana. Liquor vends in the state and those falling within the radius of three kilometers of the border of the state would remain closed until completion of the election procedure.

“Flying squads are patrolling various areas to complete the election process peacefully”, Walgad said.

Polling parties would leave for their respective booths with publicity material on October 14. A mock poll would be organised in front of agents of candidates from 6 am to 7 am on October 15.

Polling would be held from 7 am till 6 pm. Only such voters as have entered the polling station up to 6 pm would be allowed to cast their votes.

Walgad said 2,700 sensitive booths had been identified in the state. Video cameras and CCTV cameras would be installed and observers deputed at all polling booths for monitoring the election process.

Observers have been deployed to deal with the complaints of the people in almost all constituencies. Besides, para-military forces, Home Guards had been deputed along with the Haryana Police for peaceful conduct of elections.

During the polling, no party or candidate would be allowed to sit near the polling booths and appeal to people to cast vote in favour of a particular candidate or party, Walgad said.

He said any person giving or accepting any gratification in cash or kind during the election process is punishable under section 171 B, IPC, with imprisonment up to one year, a fine or both.

Walgad said flying squads had been formed to register cases against both the giver and taker of bribe and for taking action against those engaged in threat and intimidation of electors. He urged the citizens to refrain from taking any bribe and inform on the toll free number of 24x7 complaint monitoring cell of the district if anyone was found offering or taking bribe or intimidating electors

Walgad said toll free number 1800-180-2106 had been set up for Panchkula district, 1800-180-1370 for Ambala, 1800-180-1374 for Yamunanagar, 1800-180-1744 for Kurukshetra, 1800-180-1332 for Kaithal, 1800-180-1150 for Karnal, 1800-180-1975 for Jind, 1800-180-1170 for Panipat, 1800-180-1088 for Sonipat, 1800-180-7355 for Rohtak, 1800-180-3121 for Jhajjar, 1800-180-5033 for Bhiwani, 1800-180-2014 for Hisar, 1800-180-1191 for Fatehabad, 1800-180-1190 for Sirsa, 1800-180-2779 for Rewari, 1800-180-1212 for Mahendergarh, 1800-180-1217 for Gurgaon, 1800-180-8078 for Mewat, 1800-180-2251 for Palwal and 1800-180-0064 for Faridabad.

Safidon, October 13
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh is hopeful of getting a majority in the Assembly elections like BJP got during the recent general elections.

Rajnath was addressing a rally in Muana village of Safidon constituency in support of Dr Vandana Sharma. He announced to bring maximum development to the state after forming the next government. Counting the problems of the state such as lack of power, water, unemployment, Rajnath claimed only BJP could solve these problems.

He said PM Narender Modi had made the country proud before the world and in the times to come, India was going to become a manufacturing hub with the PM’s “made in India” mission gaining momentum.

“Like the entire country, Modi wants to make Haryana number one and it could only be made if BJP forms the next government in the state,” said Rajnath.

Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said the state voters would not vote for the Congress or the INLD as they were aware about the corruption and law and order problems under the rule of these parties.

Sirsa, October 13
Sirsa-based Dera Sacha Sauda has extended support to the BJP on all 90 seats of the Haryana Assembly for October 15 elections.

Members of the political affairs wing of the dera today fanned out in all 90 Assembly segments of the state to convey their decision to dera followers.

The dera’s political affairs wing organised a religious congregation near the Sirsa Municipal Council office this morning and decided to support the BJP candidate from Sirsa Sunita Setia. She was invited to the congregation.

Soon, reports came from Ellenabad, Rania, Dabwali and Kalanwali, where the dera wing extended its support to Pawan Beniwal, Jagdish Nehra, Dev Kumar and Rajinder Desujodha.

In Fatehabad also, the dera announced its support to BJP nominees Swatantar Bala Chaudhary, Sunita Duggal (Ratia) and Subhash Barala (Tohana). “We have taken the decision to support the BJP on all the 90 seats of Haryana to end corruption and ensure development in the state. When people across the country are looking towards the BJP to bring a change in governance, dera followers cannot remain aloof,” said Jasbir Singh, a spokesperson of the political affairs wing of the dera.

“We supported the Congress in the 2009 Assembly elections, but the Bhupinder Singh Hooda government was a disappointment. The government failed to check corruption, which was at an all-time high during the past five years. The development was also limited to a particular area,” Jasbir Singh alleged.

He said the decision to support the BJP has been taken to ensure all-round development of the state. The dera has 60 lakh followers in Haryana that comprises nearly 45 lakh voters, he said.

Jasbir Singh said dera followers can influence the election result in at least 60 segments.

Sirsa, Fatehabad, Kaithal, Kurukshetra, Karnal, Panipat, Jind, Ambala, Sonipat, Bhiwani and Hisar districts are considered strongholds of the dera. The drea followers’ concentration is thin in districts close to the NCR such as Faridabad, Palwal, Mewat and Gurgaon.

The dera’s decision two days ahead of the polling is significant for the BJP, which is aspiring to form the next government on its own in Haryana. It is a setback to the Congress which had been the beneficiary of the dera’s vote bank for the past 10 years. 

• The dera’s political affairs wing organised a religious congregation in Sirsa on Monday and decided to support BJP candidate from Sirsa Sunita Setia
• Soon, reports came from Ellenabad, Rania, Dabwali and Kalanwali, where the dera wing extended its support to Pawan Beniwal, Jagdish Nehra, Dev Kumar and Rajinder Desujodha
• In Fatehabad, the dera announced its support to BJP nominees Swatantar Bala Chaudhary, Sunita Duggal (Ratia) and Subhash Barala (Tohana)

Faridabad, October 13
Union HRD Minister and senior BJP leader Smriti Irani today asked the voters to elect the BJP government in the state to ensure prosperity in the state.

Addressing a public meeting at Tigaon in favour of the BJP candidate Rajesh Nagar, Irani said Haryana also deserved a change that had swept the country in the last Lok Sabha elections. She said these elections were like Diwali as it starts a new year in the life of many. Alleging that the people had been a victim of misrule of the Congress government, she claimed that the only gift the present government had given to the state was rampant corruption, nepotism and failure on all counts.

She said while Prime Minister Narendra Modi was working as the chief servant of the country, the Chief Minister of Haryana should also a servant of people and not a ruler. Describing the 10 years of the governance of the Congress government as a total failure, she said such a government had no moral right to seek the vote. “The BJP will ensure development at a faster pace.

Nawab Singh Nagar, a former UP minister, was also present on the occasion.

Yamunanagar: Human Resources Development Minister Smriti Irani said the voters of Haryana would defeat the Congress in the Assembly elections the way they have done in the Lok Sabha poll.

She was addressing a public meeting in support of BJP candidate from the Sadhaura Assembly segment Balwant Singh in Sadhaura town today. She said the people of Haryana were going to get rid of the 10-year misrule of Congress government this Diwali.

Dabwali (Sirsa), October 13
Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today called upon people to bring the INLD to power in Haryana to end rule of corruption and discrimination. He made an emotional appeal to the voters in the home constituency of the Chautala clan to vote for the party.

Former CM Om Parkash Chautala’s native village Chautala falls in Dabwali and his daughter-in-law Naina Singh Chautala is contesting the polls in place of her jailed husband Ajay Singh Chautala, who won this seat in 2009.

Badal, who along with Ellenabad MLA Abhay Singh Chautala addressed an election rally for INLD nominee Naina, also accused Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda of sending former Chautala and his son Ajay to jail.

Tears rolled down the cheeks of Naina as she referred to her jailed father-in-law Chautala and husband Ajay Singh and said she would never forget the love showered on them by people of Dabwali.

There was a long pause in the rally as she could not utter a word for a while. She later addressed people in a choked voice.

“The Chautalas are your own people and know more about your needs and aspirations than anyone else. The last 10 years have been a black chapter in the history of this area as the Congress government has discriminated against Sirsa in the matter of development and jobs,” Badal said while addressing the rally.

He alleged Hooda spent his entire term pleasing Sonia Gandhi and his son-in-law Robert Vadra.

Badal said he had toured the entire Haryana during these elections and had no doubt that the INLD was going to form the next government.

Abhay accused the BJP government at the Centre of conspiring with the CBI to send Chautala to jail.

“They can stop Chautala sahab from being with you, but they cannot stop you from the pressing button in INLD’s favour,” he said.

Ambala, October 13
On the last day of electioneering, president of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) Sukhbir Singh Badal exhorted the people of Haryana to vote for the INLD-SAD candidates to ensure that a “janta raj” under Om Prakash Chautala was established.

Addressing a gathering in favour of SAD candidate Balwinder Singh Punia here, Sukhbir said even during the last Assembly elections in Haryana, some surveys had been rigged to show the INLD in poor light, but the election results had belied all such surveys.

He claimed that Haryana people had made up their mind to support the INLD-SAD alliance. “Chautala is a man of his word like Parkash Singh Badal and when he says his government would waive off farmer loans up to Rs 2 lakh, give free tubewell connections, provide 25 kg of flour to the needy and give scooters to girls, he means it,” said Sukhbir.

He said party candidate Balwinder Punia had proved to be a responsive and pro-people leader and stood in direct contrast to candidates for other political parties to serve the people.

Senior leaders, including Prem Singh Chandumajra, Balwant Singh Ramoowalia, Dr Daljit Cheema, Hira Singh Gabria, NK Sharma, SR Kler and Deepinder Dhillon were also present on the occasion.

Uchana Kalan, October 13
A political novice all her life despite being married to INLD chief Om Parkash Chautala, 75-year-old Sneh Lata made an appearance in Uchana Kalan, to strike an emotional chord with the constituency voters.

Sneh Lata was present today to seek votes for her grandson and the youngest MP Dushyant Chautala, who is also the INLD candidate from here.

Though she was clearly unprepared to give any detailed speeches, but her presence on the stage was enough to invite loud cheers from thousands of party supporters who had converged to attend the rally at the Uchana Kalan grain market.

“Hamara parivaar Uchana ke logo se khas rishta rakhta hai. Isiliye aaj mere Dadee aaye hai aapse milne ke liye, (Our family has a special relation with the people of Uchana Kalan. Therefore my grandmother has specially come to meet you today,” announced Dushyant Chautala, inviting cheers from supporters and continuous slogans of “INLD Zindabad; Om Parkash Chautala Zindabad” for almost five minutes.

Sneh Lata accompanied by some other women sat on stage and heard the speech of her younger son and INLD candidate from Ellenabad Abhay Chautala. Though she spoke only for a few minutes, but political pundits believe the short appearance would kick in a sympathy wave for Dushyant in Uchana Kalan.

“Dushyant aapka beta hai, aapne hi jitana hai. Uchana se hamara khas nata raha hai, Dushyant ko vote dijiye, (Dushyant is your (voters’) son, only you can make him win. We have a special relation with Uchana, vote for Dushyant),” she asked all those present at the rally.

Later while talking to The Tribune, Sneh Lata disclosed that her husband, OP Chautala, wanted to attend the rally, but he had to surrender before court two days ago. It was only then that she thought of supporting her grandson, Dushyant, who is close to his grandfather.

“Chaudhary sahab or mere bade bete ko jhoothe case mein fasaya gaya hai. Janta sabh janti hai, (Chaudhary sahab (Chautala senior) and my elder son have been implicated in a false cases),” she said while leaving the rally venue.

Uchana Kalan, October 13
In a bid to gain political mileage after Om Parkash Chautala surrendered, INLD leaders are leaving no stone unturned to kick a sympathy wave in the state and raising the issue prominently at all rallies.

On the last day of campaigning, Congress-BJP-CBI came under a sharp attack of INLD leaders during a rally in Uchana Kalan. “Chaudhary Om Parkash Chautala was granted bail till October 17 and his staying out did not create any law and order problem. But seeing the huge response to INLD rallies, PM Narender Modi got frustrated and pressurised the CBI to move court and put our leader behind bars,” alleged Abhay Chautala.

Replying to allegation of the PM wherein he had alleged that some leaders were using his (Modi’s) photos, clicked a long time back, to garner votes, Abhay hit back and said the INLD had Chaudhary Devi Lal’s picture, who was the ‘most-liked’ face of the country; they did not need the Modi’s face to get votes.

“BJP leaders are day dreaming of forming the government. Haryana voters know about the failure of BJP and would never vote for them,” he said.

Uchana Kalan candidate Dushyant Chautala said, “Om Parkash Chautala and Ajay Chautala have not done any crime; they only gave jobs to the unemployed. But if it’s a crime, we will give more jobs after coming to power after the Assembly elections.”

OP Chautala was granted bail till October 17 and his staying out did not create any law and order problem. But seeing the huge response to INLD rallies, PM Narender Modi got frustrated and pressurised the CBI to move court and put our leader behind bars.
—Abhay Chautala, inld candidate from ellenabad

Earlier the BJP accused the Congress of misusing the CBI to settle political scores with their opponents, but now the BJP has started the same practice and is misusing the CBI as its puppet.
—Dushyant Chautala, inld candidate from Uchana Kalan

Nuh (Mewat), October 13
It’s a remote land with barren fields, dotted with hoards of women walking for miles to get clean drinking water. Isolated patches of cotton fields are separated by huge chunks of uncultivated land. However, roads connecting villages in this pre-dominantly Muslim part of Haryana are smooth and without potholes. In fact, the roads are so good that speed-breakers have been laid every few kilometres to force fast-moving dumpers carrying mined stone under check to avoid accidents.

Despite the spoils of development trickling in this remote area of Mewat in close proximity to UP and Rajasthan, local issues dominate the political scenario. Plundering of the Aravalli hills, illegal sand mining and exploitation of other natural resources by groups supported by politicians, coupled with a poor law and order situation (read mafia rule), have influenced voters in a way that anti-incumbency is perceptible despite development. “There is no dearth of development in this remote and backward area of the state but the Congress is in no enviable position.

The local Congress legislator has abused his authority to get hundreds of false cases registered against many from his own party to please some supporters. There is a case of 307 (Section 307, IPC) against me too after a group fight. I study in Faridabad and hardly ever come here. Even though the FIR says I was involved in a clash, I was attending classes in Faridabad “, says Aziz-U-Din, emphasising what he calls “highhandedness of the police at the instance of local politicians.

Every village in Mewat has scores of people falsely booked under cases just to settle personal scores for political rivalry, says Akeel Ahmed, a local schoolteacher.Struggling to arrange water to irrigate his drying fields, Salim, a farmer of Satputyaka Village on the Hathin - Nuh link road, reflects the mood of the area: “A lot has been done for us - you see this road, running a vehicle here is like moving a knife through butter - very smooth. My village has reasonable supply of clean drinking water, power position is better though not what Allah would want for his subjects. But still all is not well for the Congress.

The Muslims here do not vote for the BJP either, so most seats in Mewat should help the INLD”. Out of the three assembly segments in Mewat, Haryana’s Transport Minister Aftab Ahmed is contesting from the Nuh seat. He has a considerable influence in the neighbouring Ferozepur Jhirka and Punahana segments. But the resentment against “police excesses” has put the Congress in a disadvantageous position despite undertaking a lot of developmental activity that includes building infrastructure, bringing a medical college, etc.

The region has given Haryana several important leaders like former state Home Minister Chaudhary Hasan Mohammad, a fact proudly displaced on a signboard outside the former minister’s house on the Nuh - Alwar road. Mewat till date maintains its own identity, separate in terms of culture and ambience from other parts of Haryana. As compared to the hustle and bustle of malls in Gurgaon, just 45 km away, streets of Nuh (headquarters of Mewat district) have separate queues to walk for “salwar- kameez” attired Muslim men and a few burka-clad women.

With the campaigning ending today, it now remains to be seen if the Congress is able to get its cadres together and put internal resentment and rivalry aside to retain its vote bank to take advantage of the development done under the Hooda Government.

There is no dearth of development in this remote and backward area, but the Congress is in no enviable position. The local Congress legislator has misused his authority to get hundreds of false cases registered against many from his own party to please some supporters. There is a case against me too even though I was involved in it
—Aziz-U-Din, A student

Hisar, October 13
HJC supremo Kuldeep Bishnoi suffered a double whammy just before the Assembly polls: a humiliating defeat in the Lok Sabha polls at the hands of greenhorn Dushyant Chautala and then a rift with all BJP that resulted in snapping of ties. In his struggle for political survival, a beleaguered Bishnoi fielded his wife Renuka Bishnoi and brother Chander Mohan besides jumping into the fray himself. In an interview with The Tribune at his Adampur Mandi home, he expresses hope of performing exceptionally well.

Q. How many seats do you expect to win?

The HJC, in alliance with Venod Sharma’s Haryana Jan Chetna Party, expects to perform exceptionally well. Though I would not like to speculate on a figure, the coalition is set to emerge as the largest bloc with highest number of seats.

What would be the likely scenario after the poll?

It would be a hung Assembly, as no party will get majority. We will be a major player in government formation and will be ready to join hands with any party that agrees on our manifesto.

What’s the basis of your optimism?

I have been travelling across the state and have seen the response of the people, who understand the BJP has been unfair to me. While the Congress is facing massive anti-incumbency, the INLD too would not be able to repeat its 2009 performance.

You say the BJP has been unfair to you, but it blames you for the snapping of ties. What were the reasons behind the break-up?

It’s not me, but the BJP leaders’ arrogance that led to the break-up. I helped them win seven Lok Sabha seats in Haryana, but they The Modi magic has vanished and the people are feeling cheated as the BJP government failed to live up to their expectations. The bypoll results are an indicator of this. However, I feel the HJC-BJP coalition would have stormed to power.

Q. PM Narendra Modi slammed dynastic politics in Haryana. With three members of your family in the fray, what’s your take?

A. A person who happens to belong to a political family and wins an election cannot be categorised as dynastic politics. My brother Chander Mohan, wife Renuka and I are facing a contest. It’s for the people to judge whether or not we are fit for politics. If I nominate members of my family to the Rajya Sabha, I can be blamed for promoting dynasty politics.

What’s your major poll plank?

I go to the people to ask them to choose a corruption-free government with a clean image. And I fit the bill. Besides, I have been able to convince people that the BJP has been a habitual betrayer, which backstabbed several prominent leaders and parties in the state. 

Panipat, October 13
Different political parties and their candidates raised various issues during electioneering, but most of real public issues took a back seat.

While the Congress highlighted development projects that took place in the state in the last 10 years and took a dig at the “acche din” promise of the BJP, other political parties, including BJP, INLD, HJC-JCP alliance, BSP and HLP, used the issue of rampant corruption against the Hooda government. The BJP banked on the Modi wave and urged the voters to give it a chance to form government in Haryana. The INLD and the HJC-JCP alliance sought votes in name of good governance by late Deputy PM Devi Lal and late CM Bhajan Lal, respectively.

Dinesh Miglani, secretary of Legal Points Foundation, an NGO, said issues concerning the public at large were not debated during electioneering. Issues like administrative reforms by making the system more transparent, e-system in various government services and applying for driving licences to minimise corruption were not taken up by the parties.

Subash, convener of the Haryana Sochna Adhikar Manch, said no political party paid attention to providing quality education and health services. “While Rs 121 crore is spent on EDUSAT programme, which is of not much use to the students, no attention is paid to providing basic infrastructure to educational institutes. Similarly, according to an RTI, 47 per cent posts of doctors at various community health centres and primary health centres are lying vacant. Another RTI information states that only 1 per cent (6,000 youths) of the total jobless persons (6 lakh) registered with the employment exchanges have been provided jobs in the last eight years. Proper garbage disposal system should be introduced to ensure cleanliness,” he said.

Chuhar Singh Rawal, a BKU leader, said the issue of uninterrupted power supply at affordable rates and providing adequate compensation to farmers for their crop damage should have been debated. “The SYL is a lifeline for Haryana. Parties should also put pressure on the Centre for the implementation of the Swaminathan Commission recommendations.”

The convener of the Samaan Nagrik Sanhita Abhiyaan, Nem Chand Jain, said the issue of use of money during the elections should have been debated during electioneering and voters should also discourage the trend of commercialisation of democracy.

On the other hand, PP Kapoor, convener, Indian Federation of Trade Unions, said he had no hope from any party as their remote control was in the hands of capitalists. “Political parties sold their tickets and people have been divided in the name of religion, caste, creed and region,” he added.

Issues like administrative reforms by making the system more transparent and e-system in government services should have been taken up by the parties
—Dinesh Miglani, secretary, Legal Points Foundation

I have no hope from any party as their remote control is in the hands of capitalists. Parties sold tickets and people have been divided in the name of religion, caste, creed and region
—PP Kapoor, convener, Indian Federation of Trade Unions 

Jhajjar, October 13
Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Hooda said Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed 11 election rallies in the state in the past 10 days, but he did not announce any relief to farmers bearing the brunt of drought-like situation.

“Prices of paddy and cotton are falling, while the Centre is raising the issue of market fees instead of adopting effective measures to control the prices,” he told the media after addressing a rally at the new grain market here today. The Congress has fielded Geeta Bhukkal from Jhajjar.

“The state government had shot off a communique to the Centre, asking for steps to check the fall in paddy and cotton prices. But nothing has been done in this regard, exposing the government’s lethargic attitude,” Hooda alleged.

Earlier, addressing the rally, Hooda pooh-poohed the existence of any “Modi wave” in the nation and said that if this was the case, the BJP should explain why it lost 21 of the 42 seats in the recently bypoll.

Sonepat, October 13
Rohtak MP Deepender Hooda today appealed to people to vote for the Congress because it brought “unprecedented development” in the past 10 years.

“Humne to aap ke liye pichhle dus saal kaam karan mein koi kasar nahin chhodi. Ab tum bhee Congress ko vote dain mein kasar mat chhodio (We worked tirelessly for you in the past 10 years. Now, it’s time for you to return the favour by voting for the Congress),” he said during one of his election meeting in Gohana and Baroda assembly constituencies.

Comparing several welfare schemes of the Gujarat Government with that of Haryana’s, Deepender claimed that Haryana was well ahead of Gujarat in the implementation of such schemes.

He addressed meetings in Pinana, Dudua, Saragthal, Kasanda, Kasandi, Bhainswal Kalan and Shamri villages of the Gohana constituency, and Chidana, Murlana and Busana villages of the Baroda segment.

Chandigarh, October 13
Former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dixit has ruled anti-incumbency against the Haryana Government. “The Congress will form the government for the third time on the trot,” she told the media here today.

Dixit claimed that in view of the “unprecedented development” in the state under the Congress-led government, the electorate would repose their faith in the party for third time. On the dismal performance of the Congress in the Lok Sabha elections, the Congress leader asserted that the BJP misled the voters with false promises. “The BJP promised achhe din, but the prices of essential commodities have gone through the roof,” she added. — TNS

Sonepat, October 13
Jat Arakshan Sangharsh Samiti chief Colonel (retd) OP Sindhu today declared support to Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda as, he said, “the Congress leader has fulfilled the promise of providing reservation to Jats under the Other Backward Class (OBC) category”.

“During an agitation for the reservation demand, the samiti's slogan was arakshan do, vote lo (provide reservation, get vote). The samiti is committed to it,” Sindhu told the media here today.

He further said Hooda had given Jats and other castes reservation not only in state government jobs, but also in central jobs. “Jats should vote for him.”

It is to be seen whether or not the Congress' decision to give reservation to Jats will translate into votes. If history is any indication, the Congress' might not benefit.

Before the 1991 Assembly elections, the then Lok Dal government (1987-91) had accepted the recommendations of the Gurnam Singh Commission that called for providing reservation to Jats

The election results, however, were a surprise of the Lok Dal. The Congress got 51 seats, while the Lok Dal could manage only 16. The Congress formed the government under the leadership of Bhajan Lal and Gurnam Singh Commission's recommendations were rejected.

Sirsa, October 13
The Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC) today reiterated that Sikhs living in the state would vote for the Congress in the October 15 assembly poll.

Joga Singh, general secretary of the HSGMC, said today the committee had decided to support the Congress because the party had fulfilled its demand for a separate committee for Sikhs living in Haryana.

He said there were nearly 30 lakh Sikhs in Haryana and claimed that a large majority from them would cast their votes for the Congress this time. He said the campaign by Punjab CM Parkash Badal and his son, Sukhbir Singh Badal, would not impress the Sikhs as they had made up their mind to support the Congress. — TNS

Karnal, October 13
Candidates of all five Assembly segments in Karnal went all out to garner support on the last day of campaigning for Wednesday’s election.

Most candidates preferred to show their strength by taking out road shows as they could cover a large distance in the segment. Ex-cricketer Chetan Sharma took out a road show in Karnal segment for BJP candidate Manohar Lal Khattar and appealed the people to push the lotus button. He also promised good governance under the BJP rule.

Congress Karnal candidate Surinder Narwal also took out a road show. He was accompanied by former minister Meena Mandal and other party leaders. Narwal promised more development for the segment.

Kurukshetra, October 13
Young Haryanavis want jobs, a safer state for women and are most likely to vote for a party that treats all communities equally and ends corruption. Young voters are likely to play a decisive role in the Assembly election, with over 27 per cent voters aged less than 30.

As per government figures, of the 1.63 crore registered voters, 3.26 per cent are between 18 and 19 years of age, while 24.29 per cent are in the 20-29 years age group, which is also the largest segment. The second-largest segment of voters is in the 30-39 years age group, comprising 23.84 per cent of total voters. In all, over 51 per cent voters are aged under 40.

Youngsters are likely to cast more votes going by recent increased participation in rallies, on social networking sites, and political activism. In an acknowledgement of their power, most parties have tried to woo youngsters with promises such as employment, international-level universities, free scooty and protection to girls, higher unemployment allowances and sports stadia. However, there is skepticism over how many of these young voters will actually step out to vote.

Sumit Lather (31), who works in an MNC, said, “Widespread unemployment and quality of education are big concerns. The state’s youth are compelled to leave their hometown for better education and jobs.”

Hemant Gupta (26), an engineer who completed his BTech from a university in Punjab and works in Delhi, said, “There is a need to develop other cities of the state along the lines of Gurgaon and Faridabad.”

Women safety is a key concern for 20-year-old Rupali Kadyan, who is pursuing her bachelor’s degree from Kurukshetra University. “If parties and leaders can go all out to garner votes, then they must also be held accountable for women’s safety in the state. Crime against women is on the rise in Haryana and the next government must focus on various forms of violence against women,” she said.

Vinod Arora (23), who is preparing for bank PO exam, said, “We need jobs. It’s next to impossible to get a government job. The reservation and quota system must end. Instead, there should be equal opportunities for all.”

For 18-year-old Rohit Bhardwaj says he has made up his mind to vote for the party that promises to end corruption and treats all communities equally. He is one of the 3.26 per cent voters in the 18-19 age group who will vote for the first time. 

Ambala, October 13
The last day of campaigning saw several candidates holding roadshows today. While some stepped out on foot to strike a chord with voters, others stuck to their routine.

The BJP’s campaign in all four Assembly constituencies in the district has focused on development and promised to take the state towards prosperity under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The INLD candidates based their campaign of local issues.

BJP’s Ambala Cantt nominee Anil Vij took out a roadshow, promising to end the bias against the segment. Congress candidate Nirmal Singh struck to door-to-door campaign with his family.

In Mullana, INLD’s Rajbir Barara carried out a door-to-door campaign, while BJP’s Santosh Sarwan took out a roadshow in swanky cars. Ad for Congress’ Varun Mullana, he toured villages on a tractor.

In Ambala City, BJP’s Assem Goyal relied on the star power. Punjabi singer Gippy Grewal accompanied Goyal during his roadshow. Congress’ Himmat Singh visited several markets, while Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal addressed a rally in support of INLD-SAD candidate Balwinder Punia.

In Naraingarh, BSP’s Ram Singh Korwa held a massive rally.

Gurgaon, October 13
Residents of Kasan village near Manesar will boycott the Assembly poll following the death of a local girl who set fire to herself on her college campus to protest “intentional” poor marking by the authorities.

Pinky Chauhan, a second-year BSc (non-medical) student, was amongst the 1,000-odd students protesting against the management of the Government Postgraduate College for Women near Sector 14 here and Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU), Rohtak, for “intentionally” giving them low marks.

Pinky was given a zero in physics, but a revision of the result following the protest revealed Pinky had actually scored 60 marks. But that revelation came on October 4 when MDU, rattled by protests, released an “updated” marksheet. The scores of Pinky and many other students were updated.

Pinky’s family and friends allege she had set herself on fire after being humiliated by some lecturers while leading the protest over faulty exam scores and mismanagement in evaluation. She was admitted to Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi on September 29 with 90 per cent burn injuries and succumbed to her injuries on Sunday.

“A panchayat was held in the village after Pinky’s cremation and it was decided to boycott the October 15 election,” Gopal Singh, husband of sarpanch Vimla Devi, said. The village comes under Pataudi (reserved) constituency and has over 6,000 eligible voters.

Additional deputy commissioner Pushpender Singh Chauhan, college principal Gyanendra Singh and other officials attended Pinky’s funeral and assured her family justice after the election. A case of abetment to suicide, criminal conspiracy and other sections of the IPC has been registered against the college management. 

Gurgaon, Octoer 13
Regional bias in development is an election issue that unites all non-Congress candidates across the constituencies in southern Haryana.

The state that almost six months ago in the Lok Sabha elections had opposition targeting Hooda for corruption or Gandhi family favouritism have now made development the talking point.

Barring a handful of constituencies, including Bhiwani, Rohtak, Sonepat and Jhajjar, major opposition parties such as the INLD, BJP, HJC- HJCP are questioning the Hooda government’s achievement on power, water, housing, employment and farmer-related issues.

“Development is what the government ought to assure and that is what these elections are being fought for. The state is reeling under region specific development and thus it’s the issue we are taking up. Our victory is assured. The days of misrule of the Congress under Hooda are over,” said INLD MP from Hisar Dushyant Chautala.

“Skewed development is what we are fighting for in almost all constituencies because that what the Congress has delivered so far. They boast of development in Mewat, but people here are bereft of water, power, health facilities, jobs transport or even

irrigation. Only a few development projects have been announced. The major chunk of the pie goes to Hooda’s beloved constituencies,” said Zakir Hussain, INLD candidate from Nuh.

Mewat district, which saw 71 per cent voter turnout in the 2014 Lok Sabha poll, had just 37 announcements made in the last five years,

while highest number of projects announced in Hooda’s second term have been for Bhiwani (297), followed by Sonepat (212) and Jhajjar (191).

It may be noted that Panipat saw just 17 project announcements in the last five years, while Karnal had 30 and Panchkula 44. The majority of them are incomplete.

An RTI inquiry by a former Congress spokesperson, Ved Prakash Vidrohi, revealed a list of all 5,135 development schemes announced by the

Congress government from 2005 to 2012. Out of these, a mere 190 were for the Rewari region and only 120 had been completed.

“The current MLA from the area is close to the CM, still he failed to bring development to the region. This is what we are fighting for. We are holding the Hooda government accountable for lack of development in the entire state,” said Randheer Kapriwas, BJP candidate from Rewari.

Meanwhile, even the Congress is banking on development and a majority of candidates are seeking vote on the recently distributed largesse to almost every section of society.

Faridabad, October 13
Campaigning for party candidates has proved advantageous to hundreds of migrant labourers and daily wage workers here who normally fail to get work.

“I have been involved in campaigning for one of the prominent candidates for over 15 days. This has benefited me and my family as I don’t have to go the Labour chowk everyday and look for work,” reveals Chander, a migrant labourer residing in Prem Nagar, near Sector 17 here.

He said a union leader had helped him join the election campaign several days ago and since then he had been part of it.

Besides daily wage of Rs 300, free food and liquor, he said he was also picked and dropped at his place. Ram Narayan, another migrant working as an assistant for a plumber in the Dabua colony, said he was among a group of youths who had been picked for taking part in the campaign for the past few days.

He said he had to distribute election material at the designated spots and take part in the election meetings with the supporters of the candidate. For this, he receives financial compensation and free food at the end of day.

“We enjoy the work. There was no dearth of food and drinks during the campaign,” claimed Shiv Kumar, a migrant worker.

A group of women had also been hired for the work related to campaigning. “Hiring of labourers and workers is a common feature of election campaigns,” claimed Rishi Kant, a local social activist. 

I have been involved in campaigning for one of the prominent candidates for over 15 days. This has benefited me and my family as I don’t have to go Labour chowk to look for work
—Chander, migrant labourer

I was asked to distribute election material at designated spots and take part in the election meetings with the supporters of the candidate. For this, I received financial compensation and free food at the end of day
—Ram Narayan, plumer

Rohtak, October 13
Incumbent MLA and Congress nominee Bharat Bhushan Batra is locked in a direct contest with Haryana BJP general secretary Munish Grover in Rohtak.

Raj Kumar Sharma (INLD), Dr Karan Vir Chamar (BSP), Sushil Saini (HJC), Nitin Bansal (Smast Bhartiya Party), Mukesh Soni (Rashtravadi Parivartan Party -LB) and Harish Kumar (Socialist Unity Centre of India- Communist) and 10 Independents are also in the fray.

While Batra has the backing of CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda and his MP son Deepender, Grover has the support of BJP sympathisers and prominent businessmen.

The CM’s camp has a considerable hold over voters in Rohtak, which is Hooda’s hometown. Nonetheless, the Hoodas also face anti-incumbency amongst the residents in general and non-Jats in particular. The BJP sees a ray of hope in Independent candidate Surajmal Rose, who seems to have influence amongst residents of outer colonies, including Jats.

Kohand (Karnal), Oct 13
Union Minister of State for Road Transportation Krishan Pal Gurjar today attacked the state government for corruption and called upon the people to press the lotus button to form the BJP government to rid the state of corruption and crime .

The union minister said this addressing a rally at Kohand village in support of the BJP’s Gharaunda candidate, Harvinder Kalyan.

Attacking the Congress and the INLD, the union minister said both parties were infamous for corruption and loot in the state. Residents of the state were looking towards the BJP for relief. The Chief Minister concentrated on developing Rohtak only, which was injustice with the rest of Haryana.

Taking a jibe on the remarks of former Chief Minister Om Parkash Chautala that he will take oath in Tihar jail, the union minister said what kind of message he wanted to give to the people of the state.

Karnal, October 13
Known for close contests, the Gharaunda Assembly segment is likely to witness a multi-corner challenge this time too.

Old rivals, including sitting MLA and INLD candidate Narinder Sangwan, BJP candidate Harvinder Kalyan and Congress’ Varinder Rathore, are in the fray. The HJC is trying its luck with former minister and four-time MLA Jai Singh Rana while BSP has fielded Sohan Lal Gupta, who recently joined the party after quitting the Congress.

Sangwan had won the 2009 assembly poll by 1,660 votes defeating Varinder Singh Rathore. Harvinder Kalyan, then with BSP, had finished third. It remains to be seen how he performs on the BJP ticket. Last time, BJP candidate Jaipal Sharma got only 7,523 votes. Sangwan says he is confident of victory on the basis of the work done by him. He has accused the state government for neglecting the constituency for the last five years and is promising more development. Sangwan belongs to the Jat community that has sizeable numbers in the segment.

Riding high on the Modi wave and development issues, Kalyan is confident of victory in Ror-dominant areas as he belongs to the community and is also seeking support from other communities. Former MLA and prominent Rajput face Rekha Rana, who left the INLD to join the BJP, is canvassing for Kalyan, which is a major shot in the arm for him. Many ministers, including state Railway Minister Manoj Sinha, Gen VK Singh (retired) and Union Agriculture Minister Dr Sanjeev Balyan have campaigned for him in the segment.

Rohtak, October 13
Former Uttarakhand Chief Minister and BJP MP from Haridwar Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank has stated that Haryana electors have seen the tenures of both Congress and the INLD and wanted a change in the system of governance in the state.

The BJP leader, who has been camping in Haryana after campaigning in Maharashtra, said the saffron party was inching closer to a comfortable majority in the Assembly. “The people are fed up with the functioning of the Congress. They have also seen the rule of the INLD and now want to give the BJP a chance,” he said. — TNS

Sirsa, October 13
When Devender Singh Babli, a billionaire who has reaped a rich harvest of money in a short span, thought of contesting the Assembly poll from Tohana four years ago, he made money a tool to woo his constituents.

Contesting the election as an Independent this time, Babli is giving tough challenge to his seasoned opponents merely by spending crores on social services.

A large turnout at his poll rallies is giving sleepless nights to his rivals. The Kanda brothers are another example of politicians taking the money route to reach the state Assembly.

The influence of Kanda’s money prowess can be gauged from the fact that the INLD had to field liquor baron Makhan Lal Singla from Sirsa, ignoring the claims of a number of politicians who had been working hard for the party for years.

Babli and the Kandas are just two examples of contestants using their wealth to influence the voters, as there is a plethora of such examples across the state.

Elections in India, particularly in this part of the country, are becoming more and more dependent on money power. When candidates like Babli, Kanda and Singla campaign with a cavalcade of Land Cruisers, Audis, Mercedes and Porches vehicles, voters stand rapt in awe.

The Tribune spoke to several political leaders, including those heading their political parties, on the issue of spending on elections, but no one was willing to be vocal on record.

The Election Commission allows candidates to spend up to Rs 28 lakh in the Assembly poll, but the actual expenditure incurred by a common contestant fielded by a political party exceeds it.

“Even if a contestant fielded by a mainstream party is not very rich, he cannot hope of making the semblance of a contest if he does not spend Rs 2 to 3 crore,” said a Congress leader, who has been contesting elections since the 80s.

A perfect example of how money power is being used to influence voters is Sirsa, where candidates of two political parties — Gopal Kanda from the HLP and Makhan Lal Singla from the INLD — are reported to have distributed big sum among voters for development activities.

Similarly, Gobind Kanda of the HLP is another candidate from the Rania Assembly segment of Sirsa, who has also alleged to have distributed several crores in his constituency.

When The Tribune had brought the fact of distribution of cash among voters to Sirsa DC and District Election Officer Anshaj Singh, he had said the authorities could step in only when the election code of conduct comes in to force.

As the elections are nearing, rich politicians are finding means to bribe the poor voters and those living in the slums.

A candidate from Sirsa is allegedly trying this trick on well-off families of villages and has reportedly said he would give a Scorpio to the one who would fetch him 500 votes.

Chief Election Commission VS Sampath said recently that elaborate arrangements had been made to check the flow of money in the state.

He said cash amounting to Rs 1.67 crore had been seized. However, this seems too small an amount given the volume of money being spent in these elections.

It is to be seen whether the commission manages to keep a check on the purchase of votes.