Tough poll battle for Fatehabad incumbents Dura Ram, Devender Babli, Laxman Napa

Sirsa, August 22

Out of the three MLAs from Fatehabad district, only Dura Ram has been elected twice.

In the 2024 Assembly elections, Dura Ram faces the challenge of not only winning for the third time but also becoming the first MLA from Fatehabad assembly to win consecutive terms, since Pokhar Ram, the only other MLA who achieved this feat in the past.

However, Dura Ram faces a tough challenge in retaining his seat, as political dynamics in the district are more complex than ever. Dura Ram, who previously switched from the Congress to the BJP, has struggled to forge a strong rapport with the party’s old guard. This lack of cohesion could be a significant hurdle in his re-election bid.

Similarly, the road to victory is not smooth for Devender Singh Babli and Laxman Napa, who are also contesting for re-election in the district. Babli, who won the Tohana seat in 2019 by a margin of over 52,000 votes on the Jannayak Janata Party (JJP) ticket, served as the Development and Panchayats Minister for two years under the coalition government. Despite his initial success, Babli has often been at odds with the JJP leadership, leading to tensions that may impact his chances of securing a second term.

The political landscape in Fatehabad is further complicated by historical precedents. Meanwhile, Tohana’s Harpal Singh remains one of the most successful politicians in the region, having been elected MLA five times, in 1968, 1972, 1982, 1985 and in 1991, under the Congress banner. His long-standing influence and political acumen saw him serve as Agriculture Minister and even as Member of Parliament from Kurukshetra.

Laxman Napa is also facing challenges within his party. As a candidate from Ratia, Napa is up against influential leaders who are vying for the BJP ticket. Among them are former MP Sunita Duggal and Professor Ravindra Baliala, the Chairman of the SC Commission, who are both strong contenders for the party’s nomination.

Over the past 57 years, the Fatehabad seat has seen 14 Assembly elections, with only a few leaders managing to secure multiple terms. Pokhar Ram of the Congress is the only politician who won back-to-back elections from Fatehabad in 1968 and 1972.