Haryana BJP in-charge: ‘Congress had a narrative on farmers, wrestlers, Constitution… But they did not work on the ground’

* There was believed to be a lot of resentment among farmers against the BJP in Haryana.

The results show that the kisan andolan (farm agitation) was scripted. Some people were sponsored by Bhupinder Singh Hooda and the Congress (to hold protests). Some impact (of the farm protests) was seen during the Lok Sabha elections, but voters got a chance to evaluate their decision and they did so in the Assembly elections.

* The BJP appears to have consolidated the non-Jat voters behind it. Was this a planned strategy?

The Congress does caste and communal politics. We had no such intention. All the communities voted for us. We won eight SC-reserved seats in the state. In every constituency, at least 30% of the Jats voted for the BJP.

* Manohar Lal Khattar was replaced as Haryana CM in March this year, for Saini… What was Khattar’s role in the campaign?

He has been a diligent worker and removing him was a political decision. For the BJP, Khattar’s experience was helpful. He actively participated in the elections and handled situations on the ground. You cannot take such a step in other political parties. Replacing a long-term CM usually results in a lot of violent clashes. We are grateful for our leaders.

* Were there any seats that defied your expectations?

Yes, there were many such seats. We felt we did not have a chance in any seats in Sonipat district as (Hooda) is influential there. Despite that, we won four seats in the area, which is a proper Jat land.

* What signal do the Haryana results give for the polls in Rajasthan and Maharashtra?

A victory does send a positive message to party workers across the nation and gives an assurance to voters as well.