Karnal, November 15: Nayab Singh Saini, a backward class figure in Haryana politics, has emerged as the biggest symbol of the BJP's strategic success. His organizational strength, public relations skills, and down-to-earth nature have not only changed the course of Haryana politics but also strengthened the BJP's national electoral alignment. His active and decisive role, from state president to chief minister, and now in the Bihar elections, has made him the preferred choice of the party's top leadership.
Since his appointment as Haryana state president, Saini has been at the center of the planning of BJP strategists—especially Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Saini played a key role in the BJP and the RSS's strategy to politically activate and organize the backward classes. Saini, who has been in contact with PM Modi since the 1990s, has consistently proven his competence in organizational work.
Handing over the reins of the Haryana BJP to Nayab Singh Saini before the elections in five states was his first major test. Under his leadership, the backward classes in these states rapidly rallied behind the BJP. This directly resulted in the BJP's sweeping victories in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, and other states. Before the Lok Sabha elections, he was appointed Chief Minister of Haryana, where, with his easygoing and affable style, he turned a losing battle into a victory.
As Chief Minister, he established himself as a mass leader by opening housing for the public. After gaining popularity in Haryana, Saini was entrusted with important responsibilities in the Bihar Assembly elections. Following the high command's instructions, he held election rallies in several districts and actively participated in personal outreach programs. His specialty was his ability to communicate in the local dialect and accent of Bihar, enhancing the emotional connection with the people.
During the election campaign, he campaigned in Ayah and Tayari in Bhojpur district; Dehri in Rohtas district; Wazirganj and Gaura in Gaya district; Goh in Aurangabad district; Bagaha in West Champaran; and Ramnagar in East Champaran. During this period, a large team of leaders from Haryana remained active in Bihar under his leadership for almost a month.
Interestingly, despite his busy election schedule, Saini devoted considerable time to Haryana's work. Meanwhile, two Haryana BJP teams operated in parallel—one focused on wooing Bihari voters in Bihar, while the other engaged in public relations in Haryana. Haryana residents who had to vote in Bihar were transported to the polls via special trains.