International Journal of Political Science and Governance 2025; 7(9): 171-180

E-ISSN: 2664-603X
P-ISSN: 2664-6021
Impact Factor (RJIF): 5.92 Analyzing the voting behaviour pattern in 18th Lok
IJPSG 2025; 7(9): 171-180
[Link] Sabha Election: A case study of Sirsa parliamentary
Received: 05-07-2025
Accepted: 06-08-2025 constituency
Rajbir Singh Dalal
Professor and Chairperson, Rajbir Singh Dalal and Rajdeep Singh
Department of Political
Science, Chaudhary Devi Lal
University, Sirsa, Haryana,
DOI: [Link]
India
Abstract
Rajdeep Singh This research aims to analyze voting behavior in the Sirsa Parliamentary Constituency, a reserved seat
Research Scholar, Department for the Scheduled Castes in Haryana, during the 18th Lok Sabha election. Sirsa’s demographic
of Political Science, Chaudhary composition is distinctive, featuring Punjabi and Baagdi-speaking populations alongside a substantial
Devi Lal University, Sirsa, Scheduled Caste community. Bordered by Punjab and Rajasthan, Sirsa’s electoral dynamics are
Haryana, India significantly influenced by the politics of these neighboring states. The study examines how socio-
economic factors, political affiliations, and local issues shape voter choices, using a mixed-methods
approach that integrates both primary and secondary data, with primary data collected from a sample of
1,350 respondents. Key findings indicate that candidate attributes are paramount, as 38.2% of voters
prioritize these attributes over party ideology or local concerns. Furthermore, charismatic leadership,
notably the influence of Prime Minister Modi, was significant, with 24.4% of respondents swayed by
his image. Economic issues, such as inflation and unemployment, were critical, resonating with 37.3%
of voters. The research also reveals a notable shift in voter allegiance from traditional parties like INLD
and JJP towards Congress, driven by the effective mobilization of farmer’s sentiments and local
grievances. It emphasizes the necessity for political parties to address the diverse concerns of their
constituents to secure electoral success, reflecting the complexities of voting behavior in contemporary
India.

Keywords: Lok Sabha, voting behaviour, anti-incumbency, representative democracy, electoral

process, votes shifting, election, and party ideology

Introduction
Elections are a cornerstone of democracy, particularly in the representative democracy
practised in India, serving as a means for the peaceful transfer of power. Voting is the
primary form of political engagement in liberal democracies, and the study of voting
behaviour is a specialized area within the domain of Political Science. This field typically
examines the factors influencing why people vote the way they do and how they make their
decisions? Sociologists often focus on socio-economic factors driving support for political
parties, analyzing the relationships between class, ethnicity, gender and age with voting
patterns. Conversely, political scientists generally examine the impact of political elements
such as issues, policy programs, electoral campaigns, and the popularity of party leaders on
voting behaviour [1]. In simple terms, voting behaviour is defined as the state of mind of the
electorate while casting their votes or the factors influencing them when they go to vote.
Prof. VM Sirsikar well observed: “An enquiry into the process of election indicates factors
other than rationality. It may be said that India has secured a stable government, but the mass
manipulation, casteist influences, minority fears and charismatic hold of the Prime Minister
have played no main part in this process” [2]. In the words of Plano and Riggs, “Voting
Behaviour is a field of study concerned with the ways in which people tend to vote in public
Corresponding Author: election and the reasons why they vote as they do” [3].
Rajbir Singh Dalal India, the world's largest democracy, has a population of 142 crore [4]. Approximately 96.8
Professor and Chairperson, crore people, constituting 70% of the total population, were eligible to vote in the 18 th Lok
Department of Political
Science, Chaudhary Devi Lal Sabha election, 2024 [5]. This General Election was held from April 19 to June 1, 2024, in
University, Sirsa, Haryana, seven phases. The overall voter’s turnout was 65.79%, with 65.68% female voters'
India participation.

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The votes were counted on June 4, 2024 and most of the including the delimitation of constituencies and the
results were declared the same day. The Bharatiya Janata preparation of electoral rolls. Article 329 limits judicial
Party (BJP) emerged as the largest party, winning 240 seats interference in electoral matters during the election process.
and led the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) with a Beyond these constitutional provisions, election conduct is
total of 293 seats. The INDIA alliance won 234 seats, with regulated by two key statutes i.e. Representation of the
Congress securing 99 of those seats. The election centered People (ROP) Act, 1950 and 1951. The Act of 1950
on key issues such as economic development, addresses constituency delimitation, seat allocation,
unemployment, rural and farmers' hardships, national appointment of election officers, and the preparation and
security, religious sentiments, corruption, accusations of revision of electoral rolls. The Act of 1951 deals with
authoritarianism of the ruling regime, and a united qualifications and disqualifications for legislative
opposition claiming to protect the Constitution [6]. This membership, corrupt practices, electoral offenses and the
research examines the voting behaviour in the Sirsa procedures for conducting elections. These Acts empower
Parliamentary Constituency (PC) in Haryana, focusing on the Union government to issue rules, including the
the diverse socio-economic and political determinants of Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, and the Conduct of
voting behaviour. Election Rules, 1961. The ECI duties extend beyond
managing elections like monitoring political parties and
Objectives of the study candidates, enforcing the Model Code of Conduct (MCC),
The followings are the main objectives of the present and ensuring transparency in campaign financing. Its
study: independence and fairness are crucial for upholding the
 To define the concept of voting behaviour and highlight integrity of India’s democratic system. Additionally,
its main trends in 18th Lok Sabha election. Articles 243K and 243ZA establish State Election
 To highlight the main demographic features of Haryana Commissions in each state to oversee elections for local
State in general and Sirsa Parliamentary Constituency bodies [7]. There are two types of voting system in India.
in particular. The first is the direct voting system, where voters elect their
 To identify and analyse the main variables of voting representatives directly, and the candidate with the highest
behaviour in Sirsa Parliamentary Constituency. number of votes is declared as the winner. This system is
used for elections to the Lok Sabha, State Legislative
Research Methodology Assemblies, and local bodies. The second is proportional
The present research is exploratory and analytical in nature representation, which requires candidates to achieve a
in which both primary and secondary data have been used. predetermined quota of votes to be elected. This method is
The primary data has been collected by using well- used for electing the President, Vice President, members of
structured interview-schedule and observation methods from Rajya Sabha, and State Legislative Councils [8].
a sample of 1,350 respondents within the Sirsa PC. This Haryana, a state in north-western India, comprises of 6841
sample was selected by using the Morgan and Stanley villages, 140 blocks and 22 districts. According to the
Method of Sampling from a nearly 20 lakh electorates of the Census 2011, the State has 25,351,462 residents, with
constituency. Stratified random sampling technique was 13,494,734 men and 11,856,728 women [10]. Compared to
applied to reach the respondents to collect primary data in the national average of 943, Haryana had 879 women for
which 150 respondents were taken from each of the nine every 1,000 men. The state has 20.17% Scheduled Caste
Assembly segments of Sirsa PC. The secondary data was (SC) population and does not have any Scheduled Tribes
taken from various sources like newspapers, articles, books, (ST) [11]. The state is divided into 10 Parliamentary
magazines, websites etc. The simple statistical tools were Constituencies, out of which 2 are reserved for the SC, i.e.
applied to analyse and interpret the data. Sirsa and Ambala [12].
The 18th Lok Sabha election in Haryana was held in the 6th
The election commission and electoral process in India phase on May 25, 2024, where 20,076,786 registered voters
The provisions regarding franchise and elections are had to decide the fate of 223 candidates, including 207 men
contained in Part XV of the constitution from articles 32 to- and 16 women. According to Sh. Anurag Aggarwal,
329. Article 324 mandates the creation of a Central Election Haryana’s Chief Electoral Office stated, 20,031 polling
Commission (ECI) responsible for overseeing, directing and stations have been set up in the state, including 19,812
managing all elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, and permanent and 219 auxiliary polling stations. Among these,
the offices of President and Vice President. This article 5,470 polling stations are in urban areas and 14,342 in rural
stipulates that the ECI shall be headed by a Chief Election areas. 176 model polling stations have been established. He
Commissioner (CEC) and such number of other Election pointed out that 99 polling stations will be operated entirely
Commissioners (ECs), if any, as the President may decide by women staff. Apart from this, 96 polling stations will be
from time to time. It also makes provisions for the manned by youth employees, and 71 by persons with
appointment of Regional Commissioners during general disability (PWD) employees [13].
elections. The Commission is endowed with extensive Haryana was set to witness a direct contest between the
powers necessary for the efficient management of elections. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress Party. The
Article 325 mandates that electoral rolls be free from BJP aimed to replicate its 2019 success by sweeping all Lok
discrimination based on religion, race, caste, or sex, Sabha seats, while the Congress sought to revive its fortunes
ensuring that all eligible citizens are included. Article 326 in the state. In this general election, the Congress contested
guarantees universal adult suffrage, granting voting rights to in alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) under the
all Indian citizens aged 18 or older, with certain legal Indian National Development Inclusive Alliance (INDIA)
exceptions. Articles 327 and 328 empower Parliament and bloc. The AAP fielded a candidate in the Kurukshetra seat,
State Legislatures to make provisions related to elections, while the Congress contested the remaining nine seats

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whereas the BJP contested all the ten seats independently. agrarian Jat community, were also in the fray but appeared
The Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) and the Indian National Lok to be competing for the same vote bank to stay relevant. The
Dal (INLD), which largely draw their support from the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) also fielded candidates

The State of Haryana

Map of Haryana Parliamentary Constituency

Source: Notification Loksabha General Election 2024 [9]

The main candidates included former Chief Minister and election from Gurgaon and Faridabad respectively, with Raj
BJP candidate Manohar Lal Khattar from Karnal, and BJP’s Babbar and from Congress on Gurugram seats. Former
Naveen Jindal, INLD’s Abhay Singh Chautala, and AAP’s Union Minister Kumari Selja of Congress took on BJP’s
Sushil Gupta from Kurukshetra. In Hisar, Ranjit Singh Ashok Tanwar in the Sirsa reserved seat, while in Rohtak,
Chautala from BJP, Jai Prakash from Congress, and Naina Congress fielded the then Rajya Sabha member Deepender
Chautala from JJP were in the fray. Union Ministers Rao Hooda against Arvind Sharma, BJP sitting MP [14].
Inderjit Singh and Krishan Pal Gurjar were seeking re-

Table 1: Position of Political Parties in General Election, 2024 in Haryana State

Party Seats Total votes and share of votes polled
Contested Won Total votes secured by party % of votes polled
Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) 10 5 59,96,486 46.11%
Indian National Congress (INC) 9 5 56,79,473 43.67%
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) 1 0 5,11,770 3.94%
Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) 7 0 2,26,052 1.74%
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) 9 0 1,65,866 1.28%
Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) 10 0 1,13,122 0.87%
Source: Website ECI [15]

In Lok Sabha election, 2024, the BJP's votes share in margin, and its votes share was 3.95% whereas the JJP and
Haryana saw a significant decline compared to its INLD secured 0.87% and 1.74% vote shares respectively
exceptional performance in 2019, when it won all 10 seats which were 4.9% and 1.9% in the election of 2019. The
with substantial margins. Its votes share decreased from BSP obtained just 1.28% votes share in 2024 as compared to
58.21% in 2019 to 46.10% in 2024. Conversely, the 3.65% in 2019. Thus, both BJP and Congress won five seats
Congress experienced a notable increase in its votes share, each, with votes share of 46.10% and 43.68% respectively.
rising from 28.51% in 2019 to 43.68% in 2024, securing Notably, the prominent regional parties INLD and JJP could
victories in five seats. The AAP contested only Kurukshetra not secure any seats in Haryana in spite of contesting on 7
seat as a part of INDIA alliance and lost by a narrow and 10 seats respectively [16].

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Table 2: Brief of 18th Lok Sabha election's result of 10 Parliamentary Seats in Haryana
Consituencey Wining Candidate Party Total votes secured Margin
Ambala (1) Varun Chaudhary INC 663657 49036
Kurukshetra(2) Naveen Jindal BJP 542175 29021
Sirsa (3) Kumari Selja INC 733823 268497
Hisar (4) Jai Parkash INC 570424 63381
Karnal (5) Manohar Lal BJP 739285 232577
Sonipat (6) Satpal Brahamchari INC 548682 21816
Rohtak (7) Deepender Singh Hooda INC 783578 345298
Bhiwani Mahendragarh (8) Dharambir Singh BJP 588664 41510
Gurugram (9) Rao Inderjit Singh BJP 808336 75079
Faridabad (10) Krishan Pal Gujjar BJP 788569 172914
Source: Website ECI [17]

From Table 2, it is clear that Deepender Hooda followed by Haryana, reserved for Scheduled Castes. It boasts a rich
Kumari Selja and Manohar Lal won with largest margin political history and has undergone various political
whereas Satpal Brahamchari, Navin Jindal and Dharambir transformations over the decades. Situated in the north-
Singh won with lowest margin. western part of Haryana, Sirsa shares its borders with seven
other parliamentary constituencies: Hisar and Kurukshetra
Sirsa Parliamentary Consituency within Haryana, Bathinda, Sangrur, and Patiala in Punjab,
Sirsa is one of the ten parliamentary constituencies in and Ganganagar and Churu in Rajasthan.

Map of Sirsa Parliamentary Consituency

Source: Website Chief Electoral Office Haryana [18]

This constituency encompasses nine assembly segments population belonging to Scheduled Castes greatly influences
across three districts of Haryana, covering the entirety of the electoral dynamics of the constituency. The Sirsa
Sirsa and Fatehabad districts, as well as part of Jind district. constituency is characterized by a diverse voters base,
It includes Sirsa, Ellenabad, Rania, Dabwali, Kalanwali including both rural and urban populations, which play a
(SC), Ratia (SC), Fatehabad, Tohana and Narwana (SC) decisive role in determining electoral outcomes.
assembly segments. It has been reserved for Scheduled According to the latest Delimitation Commission Report,
Caste candidates since its establishment in 1967. Given its the Sirsa Lok Sabha constituency has 29% Scheduled Caste
predominantly agrarian nature, issues related to agriculture, population. The literacy rate in the districts encompassing
irrigation and rural development have been central to this constituency is estimated at 68%, according to the
electoral campaigns. The significant proportion of the Census of India, 2011 [19]. The total number of voters in this

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constituency is 19,41,319 of which 10,26,726 are male leaders who have made significant contributions to Indian
voters, 9,14,550 females and 43 transgenders [20]. Among politics. Nearly all political parties have had the opportunity
them, there are 8.13 lakh Scheduled Caste voters followed to represent Sirsa. For the first time in 2019, Sunita Duggal,
by 3.58 lakh Jat voters and 1.90 lakh Jatt Sikh voters. The a BJP candidate, won with a large margin of 309,918 votes
Punjabi community, including Khatri, Arora and Mehta from this seat [23]. In the 2024 election for the Sirsa
accounts for 1.15 Lakh voters. The Baniya and Kamboj Parliamentary seat, 19 candidates contested among them
communities each have 90,000 voters. Brahmins constitute two were former State Presidents of the Congress Party,
61,000 and Bishnois 48,000 voters. The Backward Classes, pitted against each other. The Congress nominated Kumari
which include Kumhars, Sainis, Ahirs, Gujjars, Khatis, and Selja, whereas the BJP fielded Dr. Ashok Tanwar, a former
Sunars, have 1.41 Lakh voters. Additionally, there are Congress State President who had also been associated with
18,000 voters from other communities, including Muslims, Mamata Banerjee's TMC and the AAP before switching
Christians, Jains etc. [21]. Sirsa has historically been a over to the BJP on the eve of Lok Sabha elections [24].
stronghold for the Congress Party, having secured victory in Additionally, the INLD nominated Sandeep Lot and the JJP,
this seat nine times. It is also the home region of former Mr Ramesh Khatak, and the BSP, Lilu Ram Asakhera from
Deputy Prime Minister of India, Ch. Devi Lal, and former this seat [25]. The primary contest in Sirsa was between the
Haryana Chief Minister and INLD supremo, Om Prakash BJP and the Congress. Kumari Selja secured her third
Chautala, making it a bastion for the INLD [22]. Sirsa has victory from Sirsa by getting 733,823 votes and won it with
shown remarkable political maturity and has produced many a significant margin of 268,497 votes [26].

Table 3: Electoral History of Sirsa Parliamentary Consituency

Year Name Party
1967 Dalbir Singh Indian National Congress
1971 Dalbir Singh Indian National Congress
1977 Ch. Chand Ram Janata Party
1980 Dalbir Singh Indian National Congress
1984 Dalbir Singh Indian National Congress
1988 Het Ram Lok Dal
1989 Het Ram (Bye election) Janta Dal
1991 Kumari Selja Indian National Congress
1996 Kumari Selja Indian National Congress
1998 Sushil Kumar Indora Indian national Lok Dal
1999 Sushil Kumar Indora Indian national Lok Dal
2004 Atma Singh Gill Indian National Congress
2009 Ashok Tanwar Indian National Congress
2014 Charanjeet Singh Rori Indian National Lok Dal
2019 Sunita Duggal Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
2024 Kumari Selja Indian National Congress (INC)
Source: Wikipedia [27]

Voting Behaviour in Sirsa Lak Sabha: An Analysis candidate's personal attributes, party alignment and
Voting behaviour is shaped by a multitude of factors that ideological perspectives, all of which can significantly sway
can vary across different contexts and geographic locations. voter preferences during elections, accordingly it has been
The complexities involved in understanding voter decision- analysed in Sirsa Lok Sabha constituency with the help of
making arise from the interplay of various positive and following factors.
negative influences. Key determinants include the

Source: Primary Data collected from Respondents

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Table 4: What is important to you while casting your vote from the following?
Factors Total Respondents Percentage
Party Ideology 323 23.9
Candidate 516 38.2
Prime Ministerial candidate 329 24.4
Local issues 182 13.5
Total 1350 100

From Table 4, it is clear that various Socio-Political factors  Party ideology: Party ideology is also one of the main
like Charismatic leadership, Candidate's attributes, Party considerations (23.9 percent) for voters in this
ideology, Local issues etc. remained significant in making constituency. There is little consideration given to the
the mindset of voters while casting vote and prominent individual contesting the election on the party’s ticket.
among these are as under: Some voters pointed out, “we are Congressi from the
 Charismatic Leadership: Charismatic factors had beginning and also vote for it in this election” (Hum to
been evident in the Sirsa Lok Sabha elections, where shuru say congressi hai es bari bhi vote congress ko hi
many voters (24.4 percent) casted their ballots in the denge)
name of Prime Minister Modi, often regardless of the  Local Issue: A small segment (13.5 percent) of
specific BJP candidate. This trend has been observed respondents indicated that local issues, ranging from
throughout the entire nation as well. village infrastructure and drinking water concerns in the
 Candidate's Personal Attributes: A larger part (38.2 Rajasthan border area to drug-related problems (chitta),
percent) of the respondents from this seat indicated that were key factors influencing voter choices in this
the candidate is their primary consideration while election. According to some voters: “vote hum usi ko
casting their vote. The image and personal attribute of denge joh humari samasia ka hal krega”.
Ashok Tanwar as a "dal badlu" (party switcher) and his  Caste: Sirsa is a reserved constituency characterized by
disconnection from the voters of his constituency a significant population of Scheduled Castes. The
during his previous term (2009-2014) significantly influence of caste dynamics prominently reflected in
impacted the election results. This created a double the allocation of party tickets by major political parties.
anti-incumbency effect against the ruling government. The BJP and Congress nominated Ashok Tanwar and
Conversely, voters perceived Shelja as a prominent Kumari Selja, respectively, both belonging to the
leader and former minister with the potential to become Chamar community, which constitutes the majority
the Chief Minister in the upcoming State Assembly among SCs in Sirsa. The JJP and INLD nominated
election, which significantly benefited the Congress Ramesh Khatik from the Dhanak caste and Sandeep Lot
Party in Sirsa. Selja has longstanding ties to Sirsa, as from Valmiki respectively, aiming to garner support
her father was elected as the Member of Parliament from their respective communities. Moreover, it was a
from this constituency in 1967, 1971, 1980 and 1984. general perception about both these parties in this
Following his death, Selja faced electoral defeats in a election that they are working for BJP, hence the voters
by-election in 1988 and again in 1989. However, she who were having anti-incumbency sentiments did not
secured victory in the 1991 and 1996 elections. Despite cast their vote to these parties in spite of being attached
subsequent losses to INLD’s Sushil Indora in 1998 and with these parties conventionally. It was anticipated that
1999, she shifted her focus to Ambala, from where she Congress would be able to attract votes from across all
became MP in 2004 and 2009. Nevertheless, she castes and after declaration of Kumari Seilja as its
maintained her connections with the local populace in candidate from this seat, her victory was almost certain
Sirsa [28]. only the issue was of victory margin.

Table 5: What Key Factors may influence you while casting votes for 18th Lok Sabha?
Factors Total Respondents Percentage
Inflation and Unemployment 503 37.3%
Ram Mandir / Article 370 173 12.9%
Farmers' Protest 227 16.9%
Farmer Income Support (₹6000) 38 2.8%
Ayushman Bharat Yojana 70 5.2%
Old Pension Scheme 11 0.8%
Free Ration Scheme 62 4.6%
Education and Health 131 9.8%
Others 137 10.2%
Total 1350 100%

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Source: Primary Data collected from Respondents

From Table 5, it is clear that various socio-economic and towards the incumbent BJP government. This dis-
political factors contributed in making the mind of voters satisfaction stemed from their inability to fulfill
while casting vote and prominent among these are as under: promises made during their two previous terms in
 Farmer issues: The Sirsa Lok Sabha seat, being office. Besides, growing discontent towards BJP
predominantly agrarian, is significantly influenced by candidate Ashok Tawar, primarily due to his perceived
farming issues in terms of voting behavior. detachment from the people during his previous term,
Accordingly, 17% of voters prioritize the farm protest was there.
over other factors while casting their votes. This trend  Shift of Base Voters of other Parties toward
was apparent during election campaigns, as BJP Congress: Sirsa, historically dominated by the INLD
candidate encountered substantial opposition from the and with a significant voter base for the JJP,
farming community and even in some villages entry of experienced a notable shift in core voter allegiance
BJP candidate was barred which clearly indicated that towards Congress, thereby significantly increasing its
Congress is garnering the majority of votes from support. This change resulted into a substantial victory
farmers. margin for Congress over the BJP. Voters from the
 Free Ration Scheme: The beneficiaries of the National INLD, JJP and other parties felt that voting for their
Food Security Act, 2013 and the Free Ration Scheme usual parties would be either pointless or would
contributed to the BJP's ability to attract votes from unintentionally aid the ruling BJP, leading them to
economically disadvantaged population as 4.6 percent support Congress instead.
of surveyed voters considered the 5 kg per person ration A few voters observed, “Congress ko vote dena humari
scheme a significant factor in their voting decision. majburi hai kyuki Modi ko harana hai; and hum INLD
Such voters pointed out, “Modi hume anaj dera hai or ke supporter hai per is bari vote Sailja ko denge”
hume kya chahiye”.  Election Campaign: In the Sirsa Lok Sabha
 Inflation and Unemployment: Inflation and constituency, the BJP and Congress were the primary
unemployment were significant concerns, impacting not contenders during election campaigns, with a minor
only those who prioritize these issues in surveys but role of other parties. BJP candidate Ashok Tawar
also those who did not explicitly highlight them in their garnered support by invoking slogans like “Bharat Mata
decision-making process. The pervasive sentiment was Ki Jai” and promoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s
that inflation exacerbated the difficulties of daily life. vision for the nation. He highlighted key BJP pledges
The issue of youth unemployment was particularly such as the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and
acute, with widespread frustration over the Kashmir, Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas and the construction
government's ambiguous policy decisions, such as the of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. In contrast, Selja,
implementation of the Common Eligibility Test and the introduced as a beloved daughter or sister of the
transition of regular employment to temporary or constituency, criticized the current government. She
contractual roles. Furthermore, there was notable argued that all communities (chhatis biraadari) are
dissatisfaction regarding the preference for Haryana dissatisfied. Farmers anticipated prosperity, youths
Kaushal Rojgar Nigam jobs over permanent positions. sought employment, and the poor expected better
 Double Anti-Incumbancy: In Sirsa, we are witnessing facilities, but none of these aspirations had been
the culmination of anti-incumbency sentiments directed realized. Instead, people faced rising unemployment,

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inflation and corruption, worst disparity between the promises. Urging voters to support Congress, she
rich and the poor. She questioned the fulfillment of emphasized the need to protect the Constitution for
Prime Minister Modi’s promises like Rs. 15 lakh will future generations. Her campaign, focusing on issues
come in bank accounts of every citizen, the availability like unemployment, inflation and farmers' concerns,
of government jobs and housing. She highlighted the significantly boosted the Congress Party's performance
increase in LPG cylinder prices from Rs. 400 to Rs. in the election results [29].
1,100 and called for an end to the BJP’s unfulfilled

Table 6: Result of Opinion Poll conducted in Sirsa Parliamentary Consituency

Constituency Segments BJP CONG BSP INLD JJP Others Nota Total
Sirsa 57065 62896 2833 6612 3778 2833 5667 141684
Kalanwali (sc) 41634 64186 2602 11275 4336 4336 1734 130103
Dabwali 48287 68567 2897 13520 7725 2897 965 144858
Rania 48411 60962 1793 17033 2689 1793 1793 134474
Ellenabad 53115 60841 2897 18349 1931 4828 2897 144858
Tohana 54787 89851 5478 6574 2191 3287 2191 164359
Ratia (sc) 59322 79449 3177 9533 3177 3177 1059 158894
Fatehabad 70977 87539 3548 4731 3548 2365 4731 177439
Narwana (sc) 60503 63384 4801 9603 1920 960 2881 144052
Total 494101 637675 30026 97230 31295 26476 23918 1340721
Sources: Opinion Poll conducting during 25/04/2024 to 20/05/2024 in Sirsa PC by team of Deptt of Pol. Science, Ch. Devi Lal
University, Sirsa, Haryana.

From Table 6 its clear that Kumari Sailja, the Congress Factors such as the Prime Minister’s image, the Ram
candidate from Sirsa, was comfortably ahead of Dr. Ashok Mandir issue, Ponzi schemes, Article 370, and the ruling
Tanwar, the BJP candidate. Candidates from the ILND, JJP, regime's propaganda did not outweigh the challenges of
and BSP were significantly behind in this race. Only a small double anti-incumbency, candidate personal attributes,
number of core party supporters or personal appeal from the inflation, unemployment, and farmers issues.
candidates could influence their votes in this election.

Table 7: Detail Result of Sirsa Parliamentary Consituency, 2024

S.N. Candidate Party EVM Votes Postal Votes Total Votes % of Votes
1 Selja INC 732298 1525 733823 54.17
2 Ashok Tanwar BJP 464472 854 465326 34.35
3 Sandeep Lot INLD 92279 174 92453 6.82
4 Ramesh Khatak JJP 20049 31 20080 1.48
5 Lilu Ram Asakhera BSP 10120 31 10151 0.75
6 Rahul Chouhan Independent 6159 1 6160 0.45
7 Karnail Singh Odhan Independent 4152 14 4166 0.31
8 Satpal Ladwal Independent 3413 - 3413 0.25
9 Mistri Daulat Ram Rolan Peoples Party of India (Democratic) 3058 3 3061 0.23
10 Joginder Ram Independent 2140 2 2142 0.16
11 Ran Singh Panwar Independent 1548 2 1550 0.11
12 Rajinder kumar Bharatiya Asha Party 1239 3 1242 0.09
13 Bagdawat Ram Independent 1221 3 1224 0.09
14 Jasvir Singh Independent 1128 8 1136 0.08
15 Naveen kumar Commando Independent 1113 3 1116 0.08
16 Sukhdev Singh Sandhu Independent 993 6 999 0.07
17 Dr. Rajesh Mehandia Bahujan Republican Socialist Party 931 - 931 0.07
18 Dharampal Vartia Loktantrik Lok Rajyam Party 916 3 919 0.07
19 Surender Kumar Phulan Independent 614 3 617 0.05
20 Nota None of the Above 4106 17 4123 0.3
Total 1351949 2683 1354632
Source: Website election commision of India [30]

From Table 7, it is clear that Kumari Selja, the Congress election period.
candidate got 7,33,823 votes, Ashok Tanwar of BJP
4,65,326 votes and Sandeep Lot of INLD 92,453 votes I.e. Conclusion and Result Analysis
54.17, 34.35 and 6.82 percent respectively of the total casted The voting behaviour in the Sirsa Parliamentary
votes. Thus, the final result of the Sirsa Parliamentary Consituency during the 18th Lok Sabha election revealed a
Constituency in this election aligns with the predictions multifaceted landscape influenced by various socio-
made by the pre-poll survey conducted by the team of economic and political factors. The study highlighted that
Department of Political Science CDLU, Sirsa. Notably, the personal attributes of candidates significantly put impact
primary shift in the Voters support from the BJP, JJP and over voters preferences, with a notable preference for
BSP occurred during the last five to seven days of the candidates perceived as connected to the electors. The party

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