Tue Oct 08 12:21:47 UTC 2024: ## BJP Struggling to Woo Dalit Voters in Haryana Assembly Elections

**Chandigarh, India** – With the upcoming Assembly elections in Haryana, the BJP is facing an uphill battle to secure the support of Dalit voters, a crucial demographic comprising over 20% of the electorate. While the party has been actively courting the Scheduled Castes (SCs) through high-profile campaigns featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, political analysts believe their efforts have been met with limited success.

The BJP’s focus on Dalit issues stems from their performance in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections where a significant portion of SC voters leaned towards the Congress, contributing to the BJP’s dismal performance in the state. The party’s initial strategy, relying on a narrative alleging the Congress’s anti-Dalit stance, was found to be disingenuous and failed to resonate with voters.

Further attempts to woo the SCs by the BJP were thwarted when Congress leader Kumari Selja’s brief absence from the campaign trail was met with a counter-offensive, including an invitation to join the BJP by Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. Selja’s swift return and reaffirmation of her loyalty to the Congress further hampered the BJP’s efforts.

Political observers have highlighted the strong bond between the SC community, particularly the Ravidass community, and the farming community, which overwhelmingly supports the Congress. This united front has made it difficult for the BJP to secure the support of SCs despite their extensive outreach.

Despite these challenges, BJP leaders remain determined to win over the Dalit vote, leaving no stone unturned in their campaign. However, the Congress maintains that its commitment to Dalit welfare is evident through its long history of appointing SC leaders as state presidents, including current president Udai Bhan.

The BJP, on the other hand, accuses the Congress of hypocrisy, claiming that they disrespect SC leaders when they attempt to rise within the party. The BJP, meanwhile, asserts that the SCs recognize the BJP’s commitment to their well-being and will vote for the party in the upcoming election.

With the Dalit vote becoming a crucial factor in the Haryana Assembly elections, the contest promises to be a close one as both the BJP and the Congress fight to secure the support of this influential segment of the electorate.

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