The 2024 Haryana election saw a landslide victory for the BJP, blindsided by the Sangh's backdoor efforts. With the Congress expecting an easy victory, BJP strategists, along with the RSS, executed a backdoor plan that turned the tide just in time.
Night strategy meeting
The turning point was a secret meeting on July 29 at the BJP headquarters on Ashoka Road. Prominent leaders of the BJP and RSS, including Arun Kumar (RSS Associate Sarkaryawah), PL Santosh, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, formulated the election strategy. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and former Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar participated and outlined their roles. With the supervision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the strategy progressed quietly under high-level approval.
Congress overconfidence and missed signals
Convinced that the RSS had drifted away from the BJP, the Congress lapsed into complacency. Their internal conflicts—especially involving the Hooda family and other leaders—combined their problems, leading to missteps in campaign planning and caste politics.
A quiet base of RSS and BJP
RSS workers actively engaged with disaffected voters in rural and urban areas and explained the BJP's developmental achievements.
They promoted important national policies like abrogation of Article 370 and construction of Ram temple and turned the voters towards BJP. The RSS's focus on subtle messaging and social lobbying proved effective, leaving the Congress unprepared come election day.
Men behind success
- Amit Shah – Master Strategist
Shah, known as BJP's Chanakya, played an important role behind the scenes, steering the campaign away from the public eye. His experience in states like Uttar Pradesh proved invaluable in Haryana, ensuring accurate execution. - Arunkumar – RSS is a peaceful movement
Deeply rooted in the Sangh, Arun Kumar was instrumental in merging the efforts of the BJP and the RSS. His focus on engaging disillusioned communities through grassroots efforts ensured that the BJP's message resonated with voter segments. - Dharmendra Pradhan – Manager
A trusted lieutenant of Modi and Shah, Pradhan played a key role in managing ticket distribution and resolving party disputes, ensuring internal unity throughout the campaign. - Satish Punia – Jat political mentor
Punia, a former Rajasthan BJP leader, tackled the Jat-centric politics of the Congress by promoting the BJP's OBC agenda with Nayab Singh Saini as its face.
His targeting of marginalized communities helped the BJP to bridge caste lines. - Piplup Deb – Executor
Deb, a former Chief Minister of Tripura, was entrusted with the responsibility of monitoring the Haryana elections. His experience in defeating entrenched political forces paid off and ensured that the BJP's strategy was effectively implemented. - Manohar Lal Khattar – The Silent Worker
Khattar, a senior BJP leader, operated under the radar, avoiding media distractions. His consistent rule and connect with the electorate during his 9.5-year tenure ensured the BJP's credibility. - Nayab Singh Saini – A solid Chief Minister
Despite facing criticism, Saini remained calm throughout the campaign. His faith in the BJP's strategy never faltered, ensuring his team remained focused and motivated till the end.
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