From public health to public service: Former health director makes poll debut in Bawal

Nandha (Rewari): In the heart of Bawal assembly constituency in Rewari, the village of Nandha was buzzing with anticipation. A rusty old weighing machine stood sentinel near a group of hookah-smoking men, their multi-coloured turbans vibrant against the dusty backdrop. They were awaiting the arrival of BJP candidate Krishan Kumar, who is making his first foray into the electoral contest.
At the village's community hall, sarpanch Nanda Lal was busy ensuring the delivery of 90kg of boondi laddoos made with desi ghee. "We will distribute laddoos equivalent to Kumar's weight. Over 10kg of laddoos are on standby," he declared with a smile, as a large number of the village's 2,000-odd voters, who have traditionally voted for BJP, gathered at the venue.
A resident of Bhatera village in Rewari, Kumar completed MBBS and MS from the Rohtak PGIMS. He worked in the Haryana health department for 31 years, serving as a civil surgeon in Rewari and as CMO in six other districts across Haryana. On Sept 10, he took voluntary retirement from his position as director of health services (Panchkula) and was promptly given the BJP ticket for Bawal.
"During my tenure with the health department, I served in seven districts — Faridabad, Nuh, Rewari, Sirsa, Charkhi Dadri, Sonipat, and Karnal. Earlier, I could only address a small section of public issues. Now, as a people's representative, I can work for their betterment. I can raise their problems in the state assembly and get them sorted out at the earliest. I will also work towards gender equality," he told TOI.
His campaign in Bawal earlier this week was a display of vibrant rallies and large public meetings. Supporters gathered in large crowds with posters and saffron flags aflutter as traditional music and dance sessions were conducted in support for Kumar.
As Kumar reached the Nandha community hall, he walked to the stage and addressed the public, promising to bring prosperity to the region.
"BJP has been working here for the last 10 years, and I hope you all will help the party form the govt for the third time. We have built several roads and are planning to construct more. We have also increased Ayushman Bharat coverage from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh, and now, we are giving an additional Rs 5 lakh to senior citizens. We care about people's health, and as a doctor, I will always focus on improving health infrastructure," he said.
After completing his speech, Kumar started walking towards his SUV but was requested to get weighed. He accepted the request and sat himself on the weighing scale. "It is 89kg. We will now distribute the laddoos to all," said Nanda Lal, who started distributing the sweets to children, women, and local leaders first.
Kumar's extensive experience in public health resonated with many locals. "He is a fresh face, and we are going to give him a chance. He is a doctor and we believe that he can be a good role model for our children. He has been working in this area. As he is a local, he can relate to our issues," said Kailash, a farmer.
But not everyone was impressed. "We don't even have a post office in our village. I have to travel to another village over 10km away to get my old-age pension. BJP leaders hardly think about our pain," Gayatri Devi, an elderly voter, said.
BJP's decision to nominate Kumar came after the party initially put the Bawal seat on hold in its first candidate list. Kumar replaced the current MLA and cabinet minister Banwari Lal. This strategic move by BJP aims to introduce fresh leadership in the constituency, but could work both ways, as Banwari Lal was considered a strong contender. The local community and political observers alike are keen to see how this shift will impact the region's electoral dynamics.
In the 2019 assembly elections, Banwari Lal had won the Bawal seat with 69,049 votes, defeating Congress' Muni Lal Ranga, who received 36,804 votes. This time, Congress has fielded the same candidate.
Banwari Lal emerged victorious in the 2014 elections as well with 72,792 votes, defeating Shyam Sunder of INLD, who secured 35,401 votes.
The second stop for Kumar's caravan was at Balkhi. "I am a son of this area, and I am aware of local issues. You wanted a representative from your area, and I am standing here. BJP is already planning to set up 50 new cities on similar lines of IMT Kharkhoda. The party also has plans to give 2 lakh jobs to the youth. For farmers, 24 crops will be covered under MSP," Kumar said at the Balkhi village square.
Villagers expressed mixed emotions. "Kumar has a good reputation in the health sector. We hope he will address our local issues effectively," said Rajesh Kumar, a shopkeeper.
"What we need is improved roads, better public transportation, and more job opportunities. We hope this time there will be real development in our area," said Tara Chand, a farmer of Balkhi village.
Bawal, an industrial town in Rewari, is known for its vibrant culture and historical significance. Located within the National Capital Region (NCR), Bawal is a melting pot of tradition and progress. BJP's campaign here is a colourful affair, with rallies and public meetings drawing large crowds. The assembly constituency has 1,21,408 men voters and 1,07,765 women voters.