In the Haryana assembly elections, all eyes are on the battle between Chief Minister Om Parkash Chautala and state Congress working president Randeep Singh Surjewala in Narwana.
The two clashed on the same turf in 2000, and Chautala won the constituency bordering Punjab by a thin margin of 2,194 votes.
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On February 3, Randeep Singh wants to get even with the Indian National Lok Dal president.
Narwana -- a primarily rural constituency with 1,22,792 voters -- is a Surjewala bastion. In the six elections since 1977, the family has represented the seat four times -- Randeep's father Shamsher Singh Surjewala won here in 1977, 1982 and1991 and Randeep Singh in 1996.
In 1993, when Shamsher Singh gave up Narwana on being elected to the Rajya Sabha, Chautala won the by-election. Three years later Randeep Singh bounced back and Chautala finished third behind Jai Parkash of the Haryana Vikas Party.
This time, Shamsher Singh is contesting from nearby Kaithal.
In 1987, Tek Chand of the Lok Dal represented the constituency. He was the runner up in 1972, 1977 and 1982. In 1972, 1968 and 1967 the constituency was represented by Indian National Congress (O), Indian National Congress and the Republican Party of India respectively.
Besides Chautala and Randeep, there are 11 other candidates in fray. The chief minister is also contesting from Rori in his home district Sirsa. He is the only candidate contesting two assembly constituencies.
