ChandigarhJul 8, 2025 20:50 IST First published on: Jul 8, 2025 at 20:50 ISTShareJust three months after his appointment as the BJP Haryana in-charge, the party pulled off a remarkable electoral victory in the October 2024 Assembly elections, securing 48 out of the 90 Assembly seats and forming a government for the third consecutive term in Haryana —a historic achievement in the state’s political landscape. Although the 2029 Assembly elections in Haryana are four years away, eyeing a fourth term, the party has begun laying the groundwork. Senior BJP leader and in-charge Satish Poonia in a conversation with Sukhbir Siwach shares insights into the party’s early preparations, current political challenges, and his views on the principal Opposition party, the Congress.Q: In 2024, the BJP defeated the Congress by a narrow margin. How do you see the Congress now?AdvertisementA: Ending the Congress’s dominion was a big challenge, because it had been in power in Haryana for a long time. However, its organisational structure has steadily been crumbling, and its shortcomings are evident on the ground. In contrast, the BJP’s strength lies in its strong organisation and clear policies. We are far ahead on both counts. From the public mood in Haryana, it is evident that the Congress is no longer a challenge to the BJP.Yes, the vote margin was narrow in 2024, but a win is a win. Our third consecutive victory is proof of our superior election strategy, management and outreach. Internal strife continues to persist in the Congress and seems unlikely to be resolved. The BJP, on the other hand, is continuously upgrading and improving. I don’t see the Congress as a serious challenge to the BJP in future either.Q: What is the BJP’s strategy for the 2029 Haryana Assembly polls?AdvertisementA: Forming a BJP government in Haryana was once considered a dream. We turned that dream into a reality in 2014, and then again in 2019 and 2024. The people of Haryana were looking for an alternative, and the BJP rose to the occasion. Our strengths, especially organisation and governance, helped us earn public trust. Now, in Haryana, the party is growing on par with its strength in states like Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.For 2029, I have advised our leaders and MLAs to focus on two pillars: expanding the party’s structure and the government’s performance. Since both are progressing well, I’m confident we’ll have the fourth term with a comfortable majority.Q: What are the key challenges the BJP government is facing in its third term in Haryana?A: The third consecutive mandate has its own responsibilities. Our challenge is to convert the ongoing momentum into delivering even better performance to win a fourth term. Expectations are very high.That said, the BJP has a proven track record in election engineering, campaign management, and strong grassroots organisation. I don’t foresee a political challenge in Haryana, so our focus now is to exceed our own benchmarks and deliver better than the best.Q: How do you see the caste factor in Haryana?most readA: For years, the Congress tried to play divisive politics by creating rifts among social groups, but time is changing—mindsets, issues, and public expectations are evolving. There was a time when caste and local equations dominated politics, but now, caste politics is fading. The politics of dynasty and nepotism are also losing relevance. Issue-based politics and accountability will take the centre stage.Q: Chief Ministers of Punjab and Haryana are scheduled to meet on the SYL canal issue on Tuesday. How do you see this development?A: In a democratic country, dialogues are the most meaningful way to resolve issues, and this effort reflects that very spirit.