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The upcoming Haryana election is witnessing a fierce battle for the Dalit vote, a crucial demographic accounting for approximately 20% of the electorate. With voting just two days away, parties are pulling out all the stops to secure this vital segment of voters. The Congress, sensing a potential victory, has made a strategic move by bringing back Ashok Tanwar, a prominent Dalit leader, into the party fold. The significance of Tanwar's return is amplified by the fact that he was welcomed back into the party in the presence of Rahul Gandhi, underscoring the importance the Congress places on winning over Dalit voters.
The decision to bring Tanwar back comes amidst a backdrop of internal party tensions. Tanwar had previously contested against Kumari Selja, another Dalit leader from Sirsa, and lost. Selja, however, has been reassured by Sonia Gandhi about her role in ensuring a strong Dalit turnout for the Congress on the critical polling day of October 5. The BJP, meanwhile, has been using Tanwar's past conflict with the Congress as ammunition, painting the party as anti-Dalit. This has further intensified the fight for the Dalit vote, making it a pivotal factor in determining the election's outcome.
The contest for Dalit votes extends beyond the Congress and BJP. The BSP-INLD and JJP-Azad Samaj Party alliances have also entered the fray, strategically targeting Dalit voters. The Congress, however, remains confident that their strong performance among Dalits in the Lok Sabha election, where they secured around 68% of the Dalit vote, will translate into electoral success in Haryana. This confidence is further bolstered by Rahul Gandhi's push for a caste census, which he argues is crucial to addressing the concerns of Dalits and has been delayed by the BJP. The Congress has also promised a caste census and a revised creamy layer for OBCs in its manifesto and seven guarantees, adding to their appeal to Dalit voters.
The BJP, recognizing the importance of the Dalit vote, has responded with its own promises of full scholarships for OBC and SC students in engineering and medical colleges. The BSP, under the leadership of Mayawati's nephew Akash Anand, has launched a campaign to position themselves as the true champion of Dalit interests, criticizing the Congress as merely an ‘electoral Dalit party.’
The battle for the Dalit vote in Haryana is shaping up to be a closely contested one. With Dalits representing a substantial 20% of the electorate, their decision will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the election. It remains to be seen which party will be able to effectively capture the hearts and minds of Dalit voters and secure their support.
Source: Haryana Dalit Leader Ashok Tanwar’s Sudden Congress Comeback Magnifies ‘20% Poll Plan’ of Parties