Haryana polls: Modi woos voters with promise of more jobs as BJP steps up its campaign

As Haryana inches towards the polling date, the BJP has stepped up its campaign. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the main crowd puller for the party, during an election rally in Sonipat, talked about BJP’s promise of industrialisation to create jobs which will also help the Dalits.

He attacked the Congress, warning the people that if the grand old party returned to power it would bring back corruption and nepotism. He hit out at the Congress for trying to divide the society and argued that its support for Article 370 was a disrespect for the youth of Haryana, who, while serving in the Army, lost their lives in Kashmir fighting terrorism. Modi reminded the people that the infighting within the Congress—Bhupinder Singh Hooda vs Kumari Shelja —signalled a divided house, which cannot provide leadership to the state.

Modi’s focus on job creation during his speech, and reference to Dalits and OBCs showed the party’s strategy in wooing these sections who were key in the polls. He highlighted the importance of industrial growth for the upliftment of Dalits, referencing B.R. Ambedkar’s belief that job opportunities can empower those who lack land.

Modi addressed the challenges of shrinking landholdings, assuring the audience that the BJP is dedicated to fostering industries that create jobs, particularly for the youth and farmers in Haryana. He talked about his meetings with industrialists in the USA, emphasising India's talent and the potential for significant investment in the region. Modi said people of the state particularly in Gurgaon, Faridabad and Sonipat would benefit from new industry and investment.

He pointed out Haryana’s contribution to the nation’s economy, noting that it accounts for 35per cent of carpet exports and 20 per cent of textile exports, particularly from Panipat, underscoring the need for continued job creation.

Hailing OBC leader Nayab Singh Saini, he emphasised his commitment to the people, noting that his doors are always open for dialogue.

Modi will again address BJP booth workers through Namo App. He is expected to motivate the party’s grassroot workers who manage booths to ensure maximum voting on polling day. The booth workers have been key to BJP’s success in the elections.

The BJP is facing a challenge from the Congress as the latter is cashing in on the 10-year anti-incumbency of the saffron party rule. The BJP had even changed its CM to tide over the fatigue in the voters. The party is hoping that its booth management, coupled with promises of creating jobs, industrial townships and cash stipends for women would see it through on the polling day.

A close contest is on the cards.