HARYANA IS FERTILE GROUND FOR POLITICAL GREENHORNS

Haryana's Assembly elections see a surge of candidates who belong to influential political families, affiliated with major parties, reflecting the state's entrenched culture of dynastic politics.

- NEERAJ MOHAN

Haryana, a state known for its political dynasties, has once again transformed into a fertile launch-pad for the next generation of political aspirants as the Assembly elections witness a surge in greenhorn candidates from influential political families. Irrespective of party affiliations or commitments to end dynastic politics, established political families have fielded a new crop of candidates, ensuring the legacy of political dominance.

While Congress has long been seen as the front-runner in promoting political dynasties, all major parties in Haryana, from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to regional forces like the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) and Jannayak Janata Party (JJP), now seem to follow the same path. The practice of favouring family legacies has become a common thread across the political spectrum in the state.

Several seasoned politicians in Congress have successfully positioned their next generation in the electoral arena, as the party chose to appease its senior leaders by offering tickets to their heirs. Notably, Congress veteran Randeep Singh Surjewala has secured a ticket for his son, Aditya Surjewala, from the family's stronghold in Kaithal, marking the entry of the third generation of the Surjewala family into electoral politics.