Independents: Shadow players of main parties or future kingmakers?

With an average of five to six Independent candidates contesting in the nine Assembly segments of Faridabad and Palwal districts, political insiders believe many could be shadow players for the main parties. These Independents are also positioning themselves as potential kingmakers, should mainstream parties require outside support to form the next government.

In key constituencies such as Ballabhgarh, Tigaon, Prithla, and Hathin, Independents are reported to have a real chance of upsetting candidates from the BJP and Congress. However, their softer stance and lack of direct criticism towards the parties that denied them tickets have led to speculation that they remain open to future alliances.

“Many of these Independents maintain good relations with party leadership, even after being denied tickets. This suggests that if they win, they could still extend support to the very parties that overlooked them,” says social and political activist AK Gaur. He added that the denial of tickets could be a tactical move to generate a sympathy wave, allowing these candidates to emerge victorious despite running as Independents.

This phenomenon is not new. There have been instances in the past where Independent candidates, after winning, returned to the party fold or became staunch supporters. Political observers point to candidates such as Lalit Nagar from Tigaon, Sharda Rathore from Ballabhgarh, Nayan Pal Rawat and Deepak Dagar from Prithla, and Kehar Singh Rawat from Hathin, who have been giving the BJP and Congress stiff competition. Despite their status as Independents, reports suggest they are likely to align with their respective parties post-election.

Lalit Nagar and Sharda Rathore were denied tickets by the Congress, while Nayan Pal Rawat, Deepak Dagar, and Kehar Singh Rawat turned Independent after being denied the BJP ticket.

Paras Bhardwaj, a local resident, believes that Independents could play a decisive role in government formation, much like in 2019. He highlights Nayan Pal Rawat as a prime example, who after winning as an Independent in 2019 from Prithla, supported the BJP government externally. Rawat, who was denied the BJP ticket this time, has again positioned himself as a potential kingmaker, contesting in protest against the party’s official candidate.