In post-farm stir scenario, netas hitch poll wagons to tractors

UCHANA/NARNAUND: Tractor, symbol of farmers' resistance in the 2020-21 protests against now-repealed farm laws, is now the popular campaign vehicle in the Haryana elections for rural vote appeal, desi connect, and representation of agrarian interests.

In Jind and Hisar districts, the daily rent of a tractor has reportedly climbed to 1,000 plus fuel cost, while supporters of political parties bring over a few of their own for free.

Visiting star campaigners can measure their political influence by the convoy's length at their tractor rallies . Karan Singh, who deployed two tractors in support of BJP nominee Captain Abhimanyu in Narnaund, said: "These machines have appealed to the rural voters in several elections, but their demand and presence are so high for the first time."

For Virender Ghogharian, an independent candidate in Uchana against Brijendra Singh of the Congress, tractor is also "a practical and convenient mobile platform for canvassing, as you can stand atop it and address the public when you need to."

Even Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini and ex-CM Manohar Lal Khattar have used tractors extensively during party nominations or support rallies. INLD and its splinter group, JJP, have customised their campaign tractors by painting them in party colours (INLD's green and JJP's green and yellow).

Surender Lather, INLD nominee against wrestler Vinesh Phogat in Julana, said: "Since 65% of Haryana is rural, you can't reach its voters without a tractor."

In 2020, when farmers from Punjab had run through the barriers at Shambhu near Ambala and laid siege to Delhi, tractors-trailers were their camp homes for more than a year.