Haryana BJP president Archana Gupta faces Jat versus non-Jat row

Haryana BJP president Archana Gupta triggered fresh controversy after a press conference in Panipat on August 11, where she used the term 'vishesh varg' regarding government job appointments. Opposition parties immediately interpreted this as a reference to Jats under former Congress and INLD administrations, accusing the ruling party of reviving caste divisions for political consolidation. Although Ms. Gupta later clarified that her comment referred to intermediaries or middlemen facilitating jobs through recommendations rather than any caste group, the damage was done.

The Congress and Chautala-led parties have portrayed the move as anti-Jat and anti-farmer. INLD convenor Sampat Singh filed an FIR complaint at Hisar police against Ms. Gupta under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita provisions relating to public tranquillity and caste-based enmity. The exchange highlights the delicate balance Haryana's BJP faces between consolidating non-Jat voters and maintaining Jat support.

The state has seen a deepening political divide since 2014, with the BJP increasingly relying on BCs and upper castes while opposition parties retained stronger backing among the influential Jat community, particularly in rural and farming constituencies.