Sat Sep 14 13:55:42 UTC 2024: ## Modi Campaigns in Haryana, Promises to Preserve Reservations, Lauds Saini’s Leadership
**Kurukshetra, Haryana:** In a bid to secure non-Jat and OBC votes ahead of the upcoming Haryana assembly elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday heaped praise on Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, highlighting his popularity despite a short tenure. Modi asserted that reservations for Dalits, OBCs, and tribals would remain “as long as he was alive,” directly targeting the Congress party’s alleged stance against these policies.
During a public meeting in Kurukshetra, Modi emphasized Haryana’s recent economic growth under the BJP government, boasting about its ranking among the top states in investment and income. He contrasted this with the Congress’s perceived focus on a single district during its time in power, accusing them of neglecting the rest of the state.
Modi launched a scathing attack on the Congress, accusing them of historically opposing reservations and harboring animosity towards B.R. Ambedkar. He cited instances of the Congress’s past resistance to reservation policies and highlighted the party’s “disrespect” for Dalits, OBCs, and tribals. He further criticized the Congress’s recent performance in Himachal Pradesh, citing rising costs and the abandonment of previous BJP initiatives.
The BJP’s choice of Saini as the chief ministerial face has been seen as a strategic move to garner support from non-Jat and Dalit voters, a constituency traditionally considered vital in the state’s politics. The Saini community constitutes around 8% of Haryana’s population, while the OBC population holds a significant 28%.
The BJP’s campaign in Haryana is focused on retaining power for a third consecutive term. With the October 5 election date approaching, the party has assembled a star-studded list of campaigners, including Home Minister Amit Shah. The party’s strategy relies heavily on the appeal of PM Modi’s leadership and his promises of development and social justice.
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