Candidate Selection To The Dharmendra Pradhan Factor: 4 Takeaways From BJP’s Haryana Hat-Trick

Haryana Verdict 2024: BJP secured a third consecutive term in Haryana. A lot of the credit goes to effective micromanagement under Dharmendra Pradhan, the party's election in-charge for Haryana.

Dharmendra Pradhan was appointed the BJP election in-charge for Haryana in June 2024.

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Haryana Verdict 2024: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) coming to power for the third consecutive time, marking a rare political hat-trick in the state after clinching a decisive victory in the Haryana Assembly elections, the results of which were declared on Tuesday. Party insiders attribute the triumph to a combination of deft candidate selection, extensive groundwork, and tactical micro-management that has reshaped Haryana's political landscape.

Here are four major factors that contributed to the BJP’s victory. 

1. Candidate Selection: A Calculated Risk

One of the pivotal moves in BJP’s winning strategy was its approach to candidate selection. The party replaced several senior leaders with fresh and more widely acceptable candidates. Many didn’t notice at first, but BJP’s move to cut tickets for some veteran leaders and bring in newer, acceptable faces helped boost its appeal across the board. 

2. Targeted Focus On Deprived Communities

BJP’s strategic outreach to marginalised communities was another cornerstone of its campaign. The decision to designate the Deprived Scheduled Castes with a distinct status struck a powerful chord, especially as this community represents around 14% of Haryana's voter base. The party effectively broadened its electoral appeal and secured critical support from key demographic segments.

3. Strategic Positioning Of Khattar And Sensitivity To Local Dynamics

In a subtle yet calculated move, BJP’s campaign team deliberately kept former CM Manohar Lal Khattar slightly removed from the forefront, choosing instead to keep only CM Nayab Singh Saini as the most prominent face of the campaign. In Jat-dominated regions, the party strategically highlighted the past governance of former Congress CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda, reminding voters of issues during his tenure.]

4. Dharmendra Pradhan And His Micromanagement

As soon as he was appointed the election in-charge for Haryana, Dharmendra Pradhan set up his camp in Rohtak, Kurukshetra, and Panchkula. Instead of holding large gatherings by helicopter, he travelled across the state by car, organising small meetings. He met workers to gather real-time feedback, informing the leadership and promptly addressing any issues. 

Recognising the importance of unity and strength in numbers, he made it a priority to reconcile with disaffected party members while also drawing in strong workers from other parties. By identifying and bolstering weak booths and leveraging strong supporters from rival camps, Pradhan was able to strengthen BJP’s foothold in traditionally challenging areas.

The BJP’s Haryana campaign revolved around projecting the state’s “double-engine” government narrative, a slogan that promises faster development under both central and state governments led by the party. By effectively conveying Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speeches, policies, and schemes to the local population, Pradhan fortified this trust, ensuring that promises resonated with the everyday concerns of the electorate.

He worked late into the night, crafting detailed strategies and conducting early morning meetings with local heads before hitting the field. This hands-on approach allowed the leadership to address issues in real-time, adapt tactics, and keep the momentum going on a day-to-day basis.

The rigorous micromanagement stood out, and the result is for everyone to see.