Split verdict a rare thing in Haryana

The electorate in Haryana have proved to be different from their counterparts in other states as they have never given a fractured mandate or a split verdict in the general elections.

The voting pattern in Haryana over the last three decades suggests that the political party that emerges triumphant on the counting day wins convincingly, leaving little for opponent parties.

However, it remains to be seen whether the state, which has 10 parliamentary seats, continues the trend this time, too.

Sample this: The Congress won nine out of the 10 seats in two subsequent general elections in 2004 and 2009. In 1999 people voted “collectively” to rout the Congress, which failed to open an account even as the BJP-Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) alliance won all the 10 seats.

The results of the general polls in 1984, 1991 and even 1977 further strengthens the “collective theory” that Haryana voters have never been indecisive in voting and give a clear mandate.

Experts said the trend is both encouraging and worrisome for parties vying for space on the political landscape in the Jat-dominated state. Worrisome because the electorate may leave a political party blank without giving a chance for it to stay in the game till the next elections.

They explained that the phenomenon may have something to do with strong political waves in favour or against a particular party that grips the caste-dominated state. Also, different local and national issues have dominated different elections.

As far as the Assembly elections are concerned, the trend took a U-turn in the recent polls. The state people, known for throwing out the incumbent regime just like in the neighbouring Punjab, re-elected the Bhupinder Singh Hooda government. 

After the success of the 2004 Assembly elections, the Congress, for the first time, came back to office in 2009, albeit unconvincingly.