Sampla civic polls: A high-stakes contest between BJP and Congress

Rohtak: The upcoming Sampla municipal committee poll has turned into a high-stakes political contest. Both the BJP and the Congress are grappling with candidate selection, even as political equations continue to shift rapidly on the ground.

On Tuesday, former chairman of the Sampla municipal committee and Congress representative Praveen Coach joined the saffron party in Sonipat in the presence of Haryana BJP president Mohan Lal Badoli.

The polling for the Sampla municipal committee is scheduled for May 10. Nominations can be filed between April 21 and April 25, while the scrutiny of nomination papers will take place on April 27. Withdrawal of nomination papers will be held on April 28, said an official.

Praveen's shift to the BJP has intensified the electoral contest. The move is being seen as a strategic attempt by the BJP to consolidate its position in the region. Notably, the Garhi-Sampla-Kiloi assembly constituency is being represented by the leader of the opposition and former CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda.



The Sampla civic body election is no longer viewed as a routine polling exercise, but as a test case of political strategy, organisational balance and the search for a "winnable candidate".

Party sources indicated that this time, electoral viability had been prioritised over ideological considerations, with emphasis on grassroots strength and personal influence.

Praveen, a known face, brings with him electoral experience, resources and a strong local connect, factors that make him a valuable asset despite his past association with the Congress.

His induction into the BJP is also being interpreted as an effort to counter internal factionalism within the saffron party, which had been impacting organisational cohesion.

Praveen has been campaigning for the post of chairman for more than a month, and his induction into the BJP has invited resentment among the rank and file of the ruling party, with workers calling him a "parashoot" candidate.

The Sampla municipal committee has 15,624 voters, with caste dynamics expected to play a crucial role. Jat voters number around 4,500, while there are 3,500 SC voters in Sampla. Saini, Brahmin and Vaishya communities also hold significant influence.

While the BJP appears to have gained momentum, the Congress faces the twin challenge of retaining its base and identifying a strong candidate. With multiple aspirants already active on the ground and several wards reserved for the SC and women candidates, the contest is expected to be closely fought.

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