Haryana Assembly Elections 2024: Ex-Servicemen Enter the Political Battlefield

Chandigarh : In the 2024 Haryana Assembly Elections, six former soldiers, ranging from rank-and-file soldiers to captains and colonels, have entered the electoral contest. These veterans, who once guarded the nation’s borders, are now vying for a place in Haryana’s political landscape. Parties like BJP, AAP, and JJP have fielded candidates with military backgrounds, reflecting the importance of defense-related issues in this election. The BJP has given tickets to three former servicemen, AAP to two, while JJP has trusted a lieutenant general. On the other hand, INLD-BSP and Congress have not fielded any ex-soldiers, although Congress’s candidate from Ballabhgarh, Parag Sharma, has military ties through her husband, a major in the Indian Army.

Key Election Issues: OROP and Agniveer
Key defense issues like One Rank One Pension (OROP) and the Agniveer scheme are dominating the election narrative in Haryana. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have already addressed these concerns in their initial rallies. However, opposition parties continue to challenge the government’s stance on these issues. While AAP’s candidates advocate for improvements in OROP and the Agniveer program, JJP’s candidate calls for consensus and reforms to address the concerns of both serving soldiers and veterans.

Ahir Regiment Demand Still Persists
Another major topic is the long-standing demand for a separate Ahir Regiment, which has remained unresolved for over six decades. This issue, along with defense-related concerns, continues to shape the political discourse. Candidates from various parties are actively addressing these issues, engaging with the public not just through speeches but also by embodying their military backgrounds, with some donning army caps and medals during their campaigns.