Haryana polls: Defying odds, BJP clinches four seats in Gurgaon, Congress fails to make a mark

The city, where there was a lot of noise about civic issues, the saffron party dropped all its sitting candidates in the district.

Gurgaon- a city that symbolises progress and modernity, often grapples with its usual civic woes like waterlogging, broken roads, and severe traffic jams. Despite public outcry against the broken civic facilities, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday registered a resounding victory on all four assembly seats in Gurgaon district —Pataudi, Gurgaon, Sohna, and Badshahpur— considered to be a stronghold of the saffron party.

Defying exit polls and beating anti-incumbency of ten years, the saffron party won 48 seats, two more than the majority mark in the 90-member house. The party even managed to increase its vote share after two terms in office.

The city, where there was a lot of noise about civic issues, the saffron party dropped all its sitting candidates in the district, helping counter the anti-incumbency. BJP, which had won three seats in the 2019 assembly polls, clinched all four seats on Tuesday employing a potent strategy of campaigning and ma

While the results surprised many, political observers suggest the BJP's skilled election management was crucial to their success. The party efficiently mobilised resources and connected with voters, focusing on key concerns that resonated with their base.

Unlike other parties that often run the same candidates, the BJP introduced a new face in every election to keep voters engaged. This approach prevented voter fatigue and revitalised local support, contributing to the BJP's success.

The Sangh Parivar is reported to have played a significant role in ensuring the BJP's victory in Gurgaon. After setbacks in the Lok Sabha elections, the Sangh Parivar recalibrated its approach for the Haryana assembly elections.

Congress's attempt to revive its fortunes in Gurgaon by fielding young leader Mohit Grover did not yield electoral dividends. Grover, who had previously contested as an independent in 2019 and won 25% of the vote, was seen as a candidate who could attract the Punjabi vote and challenge the BJP.

However, the Congress campaign lacked momentum, and Grover managed only 20% of the vote, finishing a distant third. Weak organisational structure and internal party discord hindered Congress' chances.

Many local Congress leaders felt alienated by Grover's candidacy and, in some cases, worked against him. This internal rift benefited BJP rebel Naveen Goyal, who secured second place with 23% of the votes, further weakening Congress's position in Gurgaon.