As the Haryana assembly polls approach their conclusion, one notable aspect of the campaign has been the BJP’s decision to keep former Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar out of the spotlight. This strategic choice has garnered attention from political analysts and leaders, seen as a calculated move to address anti-incumbency sentiments and restore voter confidence.

Khattar, who was appointed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to lead the BJP’s first government in Haryana after its victory in 2014, served as Chief Minister for two consecutive terms until March 2024. For nearly two decades, he has been a prominent figure for the BJP in the state.

Since Nayab Singh Saini succeeded him as Chief Minister on March 12, Khattar has campaigned mainly in his own Lok Sabha constituency, Karnal, and has been largely absent from the party’s promotional materials for the upcoming October 5 assembly elections. Notably, he did not appear at any of the rallies addressed by PM Modi or Union Home Minister Amit Shah, except for one instance at Modi’s events.

That despite being listed as a star campaigner, Khattar’s presence at campaign events has been minimal. This reflects the BJP’s strategy to distance itself from him amid rising anti-incumbency feelings. Khattar’s limited participation, particularly at high-profile events, suggests an effort by the party to shift perceptions about his leadership.

By promoting Nayab Singh Saini, the BJP aims to appeal to OBC voters, who make up nearly 40 percent of Haryana’s electorate, while Khattar’s own supporters are already aligned with the party. This strategy intends to consolidate support among OBC communities, who have historically favored the BJP but are being courted by the Congress party with promises of increased reservations and a caste census.

Khattar’s personal relationships in Haryana have also negatively impacted the party’s interests, with notable discontent among leaders like Rambilas Sharma and Rao Inderjit Singh.

In defense of Khattar’s absence from the campaign trail, state BJP spokesperson Sanjay Sharma stated that he is one of the party’s senior leaders and is playing a crucial role in managing election logistics and mobilizing party workers, which is equally important as campaigning for candidates.

However, a senior BJP leader acknowledged that the party prefers to limit Khattar’s visibility as he represents a decade of the BJP’s governance. While Khattar’s early tenure was marked by praise for transparency and digital governance, his popularity has diminished in recent years due to challenges related to farmers’ protests and unemployment.