2025, Vol. 7, Issue 9, Part C

This research aims to analyze voting behavior in the Sirsa Parliamentary Constituency, a reserved seat for the Scheduled Castes in Haryana, during the 18^th Lok Sabha election. Sirsa’s demographic composition is distinctive, featuring Punjabi and Baagdi-speaking populations alongside a substantial Scheduled Caste community. Bordered by Punjab and Rajasthan, Sirsa’s electoral dynamics are 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.