Ticket allocation to campaign, Khattar to play crucial role

Even after former Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar was elevated to the Centre as an MP and Union Power Minister, his role seems to be crucial in the Assembly elections. Party leaders believe Khattar’s influence will be important in every aspect of the BJP’s strategy — from the selection of candidates to the campaign itself.

Strong leader

Manohar Lal Khattar is a strong leader. He has not only served as the CM of the state twice but also held key roles within the party organisation. As a Union minister, his role will be even more important for the state. Senior BJP leader

Khattar, who served as Haryana Chief Minister for nearly nine-and-a-half years from 2014 to 2024, remains a Central figure in the state’s politics, and his impact is expected to shape the election outcome.

Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini also confirmed Khattar’s important role, saying, “Manohar Lal Khattar ji is our respected leader, and he is taking care of everything.”

Former minister Shashi Pal Mehta emphasised that Khattar’s position as a Union Minister will not diminish his engagement in Haryana’s political affairs. “After the allocation of tickets, Khattar will actively campaign across all 90 Assembly segments, and the BJP will form the government for the third consecutive time,” Mehta asserted.

A senior party leader highlighted that many ticket aspirants are seeking Khattar’s blessings besides meeting other senior leaders, including state BJP president Mohan Lal Badoli, Chief Minister Nayab Saini, and others. “Khattar is a strong leader. He has not only served as the Chief Minister of the state twice but also held key roles within the party organisation. As a Union minister, his role will be even more important for the state,” the BJP leader said.

During his tenure as the CM, Khattar promoted the slogan “Haryana Ek, Haryanvi Ek” to advocate for the inclusive development of the state and to curb bribery and favouritism. Party leaders view him as a strong Punjabi face, which could be beneficial in urban constituencies, which have a substantial Punjabi voter base.

Political experts also consider Khattar’s experience vital for the BJP in the upcoming elections. “Khattar was the first non-Jat CM after Bhajan Lal, serving for nearly nine-and- a-half years without any major corruption charges against him,” said Dr Kushal Pal, a political expert and principal of Indira Gandhi College, Ladwa.

“Initially, when he became the CM, Khattar was seen as politically inexperienced, but he has since matured into a seasoned politician. His experience will benefit the BJP greatly,” Dr Pal said. “As the Union Power Minister, he is the only Cabinet-rank minister from Haryana, who may also help the party’s prospects in the elections,” he added.