BJP focus in Haryana shifts from Modi, returns to upper castes and Punjabis

The fight now can be defined as between the BJP's anti-Jat coalition and the Congress playing down the Jat domination that urban castes fear

Searching for writings on the wall in this edition of state elections in Haryana, you’d be struck by what isn’t to be seen there. Or almost isn’t: the face and name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Nor even promises from him. No Modi ki Guarantee, no Modi ka bharosa.

The party’s campaign tagline is, ‘Bharosa dil se, BJP phir se’ (Trust with your hearts, bring the BJP again). That’s a bit prosaic given the high standard the BJP sets for itself on coining slogans. Plus, it doesn’t rhyme. Or, as a gaggle of young karyakartas tell me on