As Haryana gears up for its Assembly elections on October 5, with results expected on October 8, Congress is intensifying its campaign to reclaim power after a decade. However, the partys history of broken promises could pose a significant challenge to their electoral ambitions. Congress is contesting 89 of the 90 assembly seats, leaving the Bhiwani seat to CPI(M). With a majority threshold set at 46 seats, the stakes are high.Congress unfulfilled promises in RajasthanCongress credibility has been questioned following their unfulfilled promises in Rajasthan. During an election rally in Pokhran on November 26, 2018, Rahul Gandhi pledged that if Congress won the state elections, farmers loans would be waived within ten days. Despite Congress forming the government, this promise was not honored. The subsequent dissatisfaction among voters contributed to BJPs triumph in the 2023 elections.Himachal Pradesh: A mirror to Rajasthans issuesThe situation in Himachal Pradesh reflects similar issues. During the November 2022 Assembly elections, Congress made several assurances to secure victory. Priyanka Gandhi promised employment for one lakh youth in the first cabinet meeting, yet this commitment remains unfulfilled even after Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhus first cabinet meeting in January 2023. Another significant unkept promise was the provision of a monthly pension of Rs 1500 to women. Given that the female population of Himachal Pradesh stands at approximately 36.9 lakh out of a total of 75 lakh, this pledge was crucial. Although Congress initiated the Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi Yojana, its restrictive conditions have limited its impact.Apart from this, government employees in Himachal Pradesh have also been grappling with issues related to their salaries and benefits. State Electricity Pensioners have been protesting for overdue payments and have warned that if their dues are not settled by December 31, they will escalate their protests to the Election Commission.Political dynamics and alliances in HaryanaThe BJP has also been active in Haryanas political arena. Kanwaljit Ajrana from the BJP has opted out of the Pehowa seat, while INLD-Halopa has formed an alliance impacting various constituencies. JJP-ASP has released its candidate list for Karnal, and Bhupinder Singh Hoodas financial status and legal issues have come under scrutiny. In Kaithal, BJPs Lilaram Gurjar will compete against Congress Aditya Surjewala, while in Radaur, BJPs Shyam Singh Rana faces Congress Bishan Lal Saini. BJPs Ambala Mayor Captain Abhimanyu will challenge MLA Pradeep Chaudhary in Kalka, who switched from INLD to Congress. AAP has also announced its fifth list of nine candidates for the Haryana elections.Amidst these developments, Congress has accused BJP of dissolving the Haryana Assembly to obscure their lack of majority. Former Deputy CM Dushyant Chautala has highlighted internal rifts within Congress and noted public support for JJP. The upcoming elections will be a crucial test for all parties as they navigate their promises and strategic alliances in a bid for electoral success.
