While aisa pehli baar hua hai, the Congress punchline for its Haryana Assembly campaign referring to the state’s development on all fronts under its rule, may be open to debate, it is indeed an election of many firsts.

For the first time, since the state was formed in 1966, all the parties are going it alone, apart from the token alliance on two seats between the INLD and the Shiromani Akali Dal. Thus there are at least five- cornered contests in all 90 constituencies with the Congress facing the INLD, the BJP, the BSP and the Haryana Janhit Congress (HJC) and a six-cornered contest in at least 30 constituencies where Congress rebels are in the fray. While the multiplicity of candidates is generally expected to benefit the Congress, it may throw up unexpected results in some constituencies due to cross voting.

It is also the first time that none of the formidable Lal trinity — Devi Lal, Bansi Lal and Bhajan Lal — are directly in the election fray. While the first two Lals are no more, Bhajan Lal recently won the LS elections and is not contesting the Assembly elections. However, their children and grandchildren are in the fray.

It is also the first time in nearly 40 years that the ruling party is making a serious bid to return to power. Punters are betting on Congress winning 56 seats with the INLD trailing behind with 17 seats. Most political pundits think the final figure would hover around these figures, with an error margin of five.

... contd.