With only two days left for the polls, voters in Haryana still seemed undecided on whom to vote for. Voters seem to have become indifferent to politicians coming to them and asking for votes.
Yet they continue to vote in the hope that perhaps this time it will be different and the candidates will live up to the promises they made while seeking votes.
Although the main concern remains development, whether in terms of roads, regular electricity and water supply, personal reasons like protection from police harassment also drive some of them to exercise their franchise.
The local anti-incumbency factor, therefore, seems to be working in most of the constituencies this correspondent visited. This explains BJP leader Ram Vilas Sharma's decision to contest the Assembly elections from the adjoining Ballabhgarh constituency as well. Sharma is the sitting MLA from Mahendragarh.
Some of the voters in the areas adjoining Delhi said Haryana Chief Minister O P Chautala did the right thing by dissolving the Assembly and seeking a fresh mandate. A few more months in power would have made him as unpopular as his predecessors. No one seems to be talking of former Chief Minister Bansi Lal.
Amarpal of Mehla Maharajpur constituency wants Chautala to be given a chance as he has yet to be tried. He does not remember Chautala's misdeeds in his earlier stint as Chief Minister. He said he was happy that Chautala had increased the pension of widows and old people from Rs 100 to Rs 200.
The Congress which has been out of power for long is trying to make a comeback. In most places, it appears to be a straight contest between the Congress and the Indian National Lok Dal-BJP alliance. The Congress spoiled its chances by supporting Bansi Lal's government when the BJP withdrew its support.
The BJP managed to keep its image intact, said Madan Lal of Badshahpur village in Sohna constituency. As the BJP is yet to be tested, people speak favourably about it.
In general, most of the people spoke with contempt about politicians and their promises. Mam Chand, who claimed to be a supporter of Bahujan Samaj Party candidate Mahendra Pratap, complained of hospitals which did not have doctors or medicines. He said his village had not received electricity in the night for seven consecutive days.
Whom should we vote for was the question asked by a group of people in a Mahendragarh village. As development has taken a backseat the voting takes place on extremely personal considerations like proximity to the person. "We need protection from police harassment in case of disputes and thus we vote for a candidate only if we feel he is approachable," said Mewa Ram.
Whom should we vote for was the question asked by a group of people at a village inHaryana. As development has taken a backseat the voting takes place on extremely personal considerations like proximity to the person.
