Haryana Politics Since the Formation of the State

Haryana, one of India’s most politically vibrant states, has experienced a dynamic political journey since its formation on November 1, 1966. Carved out from the larger state of Punjab, Haryana was born out of the demands for a separate state for Hindi-speaking people. The political landscape of the state has been shaped by caste dynamics, regionalism, national trends, and the rise of local political figures. Haryana’s politics have been a blend of state-specific issues, such as agrarian concerns and caste-based mobilization, along with national-level electoral and political trends.

Formation and Early Years (1966–1970s)

The creation of Haryana was a result of the demand for linguistic reorganization of states, particularly for Hindi-speaking regions to be separated from Punjab. The first few years were formative as Haryana embarked on its journey as an independent political entity. The early leadership of the state was shaped by figures like Bhagwat Dayal Sharma, who became the first Chief Minister in 1966. Sharma’s leadership was primarily focused on laying the administrative foundation of the newly formed state.

The political landscape of Haryana in the 1960s and 1970s was dominated by the Indian National Congress (INC). Congress was the natural political force after independence, and its dominance continued in Haryana’s early years. Leaders like Rao Birender Singh, who succeeded Sharma, played important roles in shaping Haryana’s political identity. However, the 1970s were marked by growing dissent within Congress, especially during Indira Gandhi’s Emergency (1975–77).

Chaudhary Devi Lal and the Emergence of Regionalism

One of the most influential figures in Haryana’s political history is Chaudhary Devi Lal, who came to the forefront in the 1970s and remained a central figure for decades. Popularly known as “Tau” (meaning elder uncle in Hindi), Devi Lal was a champion of the rural agrarian community, particularly the Jats, who constituted a significant portion of Haryana’s population. His politics revolved around agrarian issues, land reforms, and social justice, particularly for the rural poor.

During the Emergency, Devi Lal was imprisoned for opposing Indira Gandhi’s government. After the Emergency, Devi Lal played a crucial role in the Janata Party’s success in Haryana in the 1977 elections. The Janata Party’s victory marked a significant shift away from Congress dominance in Haryana. Devi Lal became the Chief Minister and worked on policies that focused on the welfare of farmers and the rural population.

However, factionalism within the Janata Party, along with Devi Lal’s departure from the party, weakened its influence in Haryana. By the early 1980s, the Indian National Congress, led by Bhajan Lal, returned to power in the state.

Bhajan Lal and the Politics of Defections

Bhajan Lal was a towering figure in Haryana’s politics, known for his political maneuvering and pragmatism. Originally a member of the Janata Party, Bhajan Lal switched to Congress after Indira Gandhi’s return to power in 1980. His ability to navigate Haryana’s complex caste equations and political landscape made him a successful politician.

Bhajan Lal’s tenure as Chief Minister was marked by political stability and development in infrastructure, education, and health. However, he also gained a reputation for engineering defections, coining the term “Aaya Ram, Gaya Ram,” which refers to the frequent switching of loyalties by legislators. This phrase became synonymous with Haryana politics, where defections became a norm, and coalition politics started playing a significant role in state governance.

Devi Lal’s Return and the Formation of Indian National Lok Dal (INLD)

Devi Lal made a strong comeback in the late 1980s, riding on the wave of anti-Congress sentiment. In 1987, he formed the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), a regional party primarily catering to Jat interests and the agrarian population. His party capitalized on dissatisfaction with Congress rule, and the INLD won the 1987 state elections by a landslide. Devi Lal became the Chief Minister once again, and his government focused on populist measures, such as loan waivers for farmers and improving rural infrastructure.

Devi Lal’s influence extended beyond Haryana as he became a key player in national politics. In 1989, he became the Deputy Prime Minister of India in the National Front government led by V. P. Singh. His departure from Haryana politics opened the door for his son, Om Prakash Chautala, who became the chief political heir and succeeded him in state politics.

The Chautala Era and the Rise of Bhupinder Singh Hooda

Om Prakash Chautala became a dominant figure in Haryana politics after the 1990s. Leading the INLD, Chautala became the Chief Minister multiple times, often through alliances and defections. His tenure, however, was marred by accusations of corruption, nepotism, and inefficiency. The Chautala family’s stronghold over the INLD and Haryana politics became a subject of criticism.

On the other hand, Bhupinder Singh Hooda emerged as a significant leader within the Congress party during this period. The 2000 state elections saw a fractured mandate, but the INLD managed to form the government through coalitions. However, by the mid-2000s, there was a growing sentiment against the Chautala regime, leading to a revival of Congress under Hooda’s leadership.

In the 2005 elections, Congress made a comeback, and Bhupinder Singh Hooda became the Chief Minister. Hooda’s tenure from 2005 to 2014 is considered a period of significant development in Haryana. He focused on urbanization, industrialization, and the development of infrastructure. His government attracted major industrial investments, and cities like Gurgaon became major IT and corporate hubs during his tenure. However, Hooda’s regime was also accused of favoring specific regions, particularly Rohtak, his home district, leading to accusations of regional bias.

The BJP’s Rise in Haryana Politics

The political landscape of Haryana saw a major shift in the 2014 elections when the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), riding on the Narendra Modi wave, won a majority in the state assembly for the first time. The BJP had traditionally been a minor player in Haryana, but its success in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections and its focus on development, anti-corruption, and pro-farmer rhetoric helped it gain a foothold in the state.

Manohar Lal Khattar, a non-Jat leader, was chosen as the Chief Minister, marking a departure from the traditional Jat dominance in Haryana politics. Khattar’s government focused on transparency, e-governance, and improving infrastructure. His tenure has also seen attempts to address caste tensions, though the 2016 Jat reservation protests became a major challenge for the Khattar government, exposing deep-rooted caste conflicts in the state.

The Emergence of New Political Players

In recent years, new political players have emerged on the Haryana political scene. Dushyant Chautala, the great-grandson of Devi Lal, broke away from the INLD and formed the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) in 2018. In the 2019 state elections, the JJP played a kingmaker role and entered into an alliance with the BJP, with Dushyant Chautala becoming the Deputy Chief Minister.

The Haryana politics of the 21st century is marked by coalition politics, the decline of traditional regional parties like the INLD, and the rise of new political forces like the BJP and JJP.

Conclusion

Haryana’s political history since its formation has been shaped by dynamic leaders, regionalism, caste-based mobilization, and national trends. From the dominance of Chaudhary Devi Lal and Bhajan Lal in the early decades to the emergence of the BJP as a formidable force, the state’s politics have evolved with changing times. Today, Haryana continues to be a key battleground in Indian politics, reflecting the complex interplay of caste, development, and national-level political movements.