Haryana Poll Results: PwD voters could have impacted results in 12 seats

New Delhi: Had political parties acknowledged the disabled community as a decisive vote bank and addressed their demands, the outcome in many constituencies during the recently concluded Haryana assembly elections could have been very different.

An analysis of 12 constituencies with razor-thin victory margins shows that the influence of disabled voters is too significant to ignore. The National Disability Network (NDN) has urged political parties to recognize persons with disabilities (PwD) as a critical electoral force moving forward.

According to Election Commission of India (ECI) data, Haryana has approximately 1.49 lakh PwD electors, and in 12 constituencies, the number of disabled voters exceeded the margin of victory. For instance, in Uchana Kalan, where the BJP secured a win over INC by a mere 32 votes, there were 1,199 voters with disabilities. Similarly, in Rohtak, the Congress won by 1,341 votes, while the constituency had 3,064 PwD voters. The narrative is clear: had the disabled community been fully engaged and mobilized, they could have swayed the results in these closely fought constituencies.

Arman Ali, Executive Director of National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP), reiterated the need for political parties to acknowledge this community as a potent electoral force. “The disabled people and their families have historically been marginalized in the political participation, but the numbers speak for themselves. In elections where margins are tight, even a small, organized group of voters can make all the difference. It’s time political parties actively include disabled voters in their strategies rather than just looking at them at as an inspirational voter, not just during campaigns, but in policymaking as well,” Ali said.

The data presents a compelling case for parties to rethink their engagement with voters with disabilities. In Adampur, the Congress won by 1,268 votes, but with 1,869 PwD voters in the constituency, their involvement could have made the contest even more competitive. Similarly, in Mahendragarh, the BJP’s victory margin was 2,648 votes, while there were 1,973 PwD voters. These figures underscore the importance of the disabled vote in determining outcomes in closely fought elections.

Disabled voters are not a monolithic group; they are diverse, informed, and keen to participate in shaping the future of their states and country. It’s high time political parties took note of this untapped electoral segment and ensured that their voices are heard, their issues are addressed, and their participation is facilitated at every level.

NCPEDP is urging all political parties to adopt a proactive approach, ensuring political participation like it is done Jaat, SC, ST, Women , Dalits &and other vote banks to be done for disabled people. Voter outreach includes specific engagement with the disabled community, and policies reflect the needs of this often-ignored section of society.

“Deviations from promises made in Manifestos during General Elections 2024 and Legislative Assembly Elections shows a lack of intent on behalf of the political parties”, added Ali.

As the elections demonstrate, ignoring the disabled vote is no longer a viable option. In a political landscape increasingly defined by narrow margins and competitive races, voters with disabilities will impact difference between victory and defeat.

This election has shown that every vote counts, and the PwD electorate could play a decisive role in shaping the future of India’s political landscape. Political parties that recognize and engage with this community stand to gain a significant advantage in future elections.

The National Disability Network and entire disability sector is keeping a close watch on all the Legislative Assembly & Panchayat Level Elections & will wait for all political parties to reach out to disabled people.

PwD Voters & Victory Margins:

• Uchana Kalan: BJP won by 32 votes (1,199 PwD voters)
• Rohtak: INC won by 1,341 votes (3,064 PwD voters)
• Adampur: INC won by 1,268 votes (1,869 PwD voters)
• Dabwali: INLD won by 610 votes (1,617 PwD voters)
• Loharu: INC won by 792 votes (1,845 PwD voters)