The political landscape in Haryana’s Nuh district is heating up as the Assembly elections approach on October 5th. The Congress party has shown its confidence in its current representatives by nominating Aftab Ahmed, Mamman Khan, and Mohammad Ilyas, all sitting MLAs from the Meo Muslim-dominated region, for the upcoming polls. Former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda accompanied the trio as they filed their nominations on September 10th, underscoring the Congress’s commitment to the district.
In contrast, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has opted for a strategic shift in its candidate lineup. The party has decided to field new contenders in Nuh and Punhana, replacing its candidates from the 2019 election. Minister of State (Environment) Sanjay Singh will represent the BJP in Nuh, while Aizaz Khan will contest from Punhana. Naseem Ahmed, who lost to Mamman Khan in Ferozepur Jhirka in 2019, has been given another chance by the BJP.
The election campaign in Nuh is particularly significant as it presents a crucial test for the BJP in Haryana. While the Congress, under the leadership of Mr. Hooda, has emphasized its track record of development during its previous tenure, focusing on initiatives undertaken in Nuh, the BJP is aiming to gain ground. Mr. Hooda, reiterating the Congress’s core election promises, pledged two lakh regular jobs, 300 units of free electricity, and ₹6,000 old-age pension.
Nuh, categorized as one of Haryana’s most backward districts, has been grappling with a multitude of challenges. Last year, the district witnessed communal violence during the Brij Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra organized by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad. Despite its proximity to the bustling IT hub and financial capital of Gurugram, Nuh lacks basic amenities like reliable drinking water, irrigation facilities, and adequate healthcare and education infrastructure. The demand for improved railway connectivity, the establishment of a university, and the expansion of the Gurugram-Alwar highway passing through Nuh remain key issues that need addressing. Furthermore, the region has also faced incidents of cow vigilantism in recent years, highlighting the complex social and economic issues plaguing the area.
The upcoming Assembly elections in Nuh are poised to be a fiercely contested battleground, with both the Congress and BJP vying for the support of the electorate. The outcome will likely have significant implications for the political landscape in Haryana and will provide insights into the pulse of the voters in a region grappling with social, economic, and infrastructure challenges.
