The Haryana elections signal a pivotal moment for farmers in the state, who seem to be leaving the protest issues behind and focusing on broader political changes. With exit polls predicting a Congress majority, gaining over 50 seats in the 90-member assembly, the BJP faces a tough fight after a decade of rule. Support from the farming community, once at the forefront of the 2020-2021 protests, is now geared toward the Congress party due to dissatisfaction with the BJP's handling of farm laws and economic policies.
Analysts believe that this shift marks a transition in the farmers' priorities, from protest movements to ensuring governance that addresses local concerns like crop prices and employment. Congress, benefiting from the farmer sentiment, is poised to gain from the discontent that has brewed under BJP’s governance. If these results hold, Haryana will witness a significant political change, with the protests being a thing of the past and a focus on a new direction for governance
The latest exit polls from Haryana suggest a significant political shift, with farmers who once led large-scale protests against controversial agricultural laws now redirecting their focus toward broader political and governance issues. Congress is projected to gain significant ground, with the party expected to secure a clear majority in the 90-seat assembly. Much of this success is attributed to strong support from farmers, youth, and other key demographics such as athletes, all of whom felt marginalized by the BJP's policies in recent years
In the aftermath of the widespread farmer protests, particularly against the three farm laws introduced by the central government in 2020, the ruling BJP had faced growing criticism. Farmers, especially from Haryana and Punjab, voiced concerns over being left out of critical decisions affecting their livelihoods. These protests culminated in the repeal of the laws, but the political damage to the BJP’s image was profound, especially in rural strongholds. As the 2024 elections approached, many believed that the legacy of these protests would continue to play a major role in shaping the electoral landscape.
However, the poll results suggest that farmers may now be looking beyond these protests, prioritizing governance, development, and local economic issues instead. The Congress party, under the leadership of Bhupinder Singh Hooda, has successfully capitalized on this sentiment by emphasizing development, rural welfare, and promises of job creation. Many farmers feel that the Congress is more likely to address their long-term economic concerns, moving past the immediate flashpoints of the protests(
News24).
Additionally, political analysts believe that the BJP’s inability to resolve agrarian distress, coupled with their handling of the protests, has alienated a large portion of their rural voter base. This loss of support has been further compounded by the government’s economic policies, which some farmers view as favoring big corporations over small-scale agricultural producers.
The Congress’ promise to prioritize farmer welfare has resonated with voters, with many rural constituents turning to the party in the hopes of improved governance and a more responsive state government. The once-dominant protest issues seem to have faded into the background, replaced by broader concerns over rural infrastructure, agricultural subsidies, and employment prospects for the younger generation.
As election results approach, it’s clear that the farmers of Haryana are embracing change, leaving behind the protest-driven politics of the past to focus on a future centered around better governance, local development, and economic growth
