As the BJP seeks a third consecutive term in Haryana, the party has encountered significant resistance. Over the past few weeks, several leaders who were denied tickets have rebelled, leading to widespread protests against many of the party’s prominent candidates and campaigners. These protests are affecting even some of the party’s traditionally strongholds and have also targeted leaders from the BJP’s former ally, the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP).

The protests have stemmed from various issues, including the firing on a farmer at the Khanauri border and the post-poll alliance between the BJP and JJP in 2019. The BJP has accused the Opposition of inciting these protests and using them for political gain, while Congress has asserted that such demonstrations are a part of democratic expression.

One significant flashpoint has been Adampur in Hisar district, a seat held by the family of former Chief Minister Bhajan Lal since 1972. This time, however, the BJP is facing resistance. On Monday, Kuldeep and Bhavya Bishnoi encountered protests in Kutiawali village, which escalated into a scuffle between villagers and BJP supporters. The district police intervened, escorting the BJP leaders out of the village.

Kuldeep Bishnoi downplayed the protests, attributing the disruption to rival camp members rather than general opposition from the villagers. “I approached them despite knowing their affiliations and spoke about our development efforts,” Bishnoi said. “The situation was exacerbated by a few drunken individuals, and the incident was misrepresented.”

In Naraingarh, Ambala district, BJP candidate Pawan Saini faced protests from local farmer groups who blocked his convoy and forced him to detour. Similarly, in Faridabad’s Badkhal, BJP candidate Dhanesh Adlakha was halted by protesters demanding he walk through a muddy road.

The protests extended beyond Haryana as well. On Sunday, BJP MLA Anil Vij had to leave a public meeting in Shahpur, Ambala Cantonment, after facing chants from farmers questioning him about the death of a farmer during the Khanauri incident. In Jind, former BJP minister Krishan Bedi faced criticism from villagers over his perceived silence during the 2020-21 farmers’ agitation. In Hisar, BJP candidate Vinod Bhayana lost his temper during a confrontation over the same issue.

Former Deputy CM and JJP leader Dushyant Chautala also faced backlash in Uchana Kalan, with villagers protesting his alliance with the BJP and declaring a social boycott. Similarly, BJP candidate Anoop Dhanak experienced protests in multiple villages for his affiliation with the party.

In response to these protests, Leader of the Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda commented, “It is a democracy. These protests are a reflection of the BJP and JJP’s non-performance.”