Parties hinge on Ahirwal-Mewat equation as city heads into polls

Gurgaon: In the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls, scheduled in the city on May 12, Gurgaon may once again witness Ahirwal (region dominated by Yadavs) versus Mewat (region dominated by Meo Muslims), just like in the past few elections. This is because the two communities account for over 40% of voters in Gurgaon constituency, in which the political equation remains almost unchanged, barring the entry of Jannayak Janta Party (JJP), which came into existence following the split in Indian National Lok Dal (INLD).
In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, keeping caste equations in mind, Congress, BJP and AAP fielded Yadav candidates, while INLD gave ticket to Zakir Hussain, a Meo Muslim leader. Sitting MP Rao Inderjit Singh contested on a BJP ticket after quitting Congress, and faced Rao Dharampal (also Yadav) of Congress and Yogendra Yadav of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). But it was Zakir Hussain of INLD, currently MLA from Nuh in Mewat, who offered the winner the stiffest challenge, and came second.

This time, if the BJP again gives the ticket to Rao Inderjit, who is now burdened with incumbency, he will face a tough fight from the Congress, INLD, AAP and the JJP. The latter two might even enter into a political alliance as leaders of both parties are still in talks for a tie-up.

Political experts believe the BJP and INLD might repeat candidates, as neither party has many options to choose from. Although the sitting MP’s differences with chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar are out in the open, Rao Inderjit remains the frontrunner for a BJP ticket from Gurgaon. Interestingly, Rao Inderjit has already announced this would be his last Lok Sabha elections, which many feel has brightened his chances for the Gurgaon ticket. Speaking to TOI, Inderjit said BJP will seek votes on the basis of development work done. “Be it formation of GMDA, construction of flyovers and underpasses or electrification of railway line, we have a report card to boast in front of Gurgaon residents,” he said.

Political analysts also believe Zakir Hussain, who has unsuccessfully contested the Lok Sabha polls from Gurgaon twice, is certain to get the INLD ticket again, due to his strong hold in Mewat, which has over 4.5 lakh votes that can influence the verdict.

As for Congress, candidate selection won’t be tough as it’s likely to choose between former state minister Captain Ajay Yadav, who has strong connection with the Ahirwal region with over 5 lakh votes, and former Badshapur MLA Rao Dharampal, who unsuccessfully contested for the Gurgaon seat in 2014. AAP and JJP are yet to wind up talks of a tie-up, so they are yet to begin their candidate selection process. “Once the poll alliance picture gets clearer, selection of candidates will begin,” said a senior JJP leader.