haryana-s-highs-lows-a-look-back-at-2025

Haryana’s year in 2025 was full of contrasts. The BJP remained firmly in control and further strengthened its grip on power, giving the state an image of political stability. But the year was also marked by a series of disturbing incidents that exposed serious social and security concerns. The alleged suicide of a senior IPS officer and the busting of a “white-collar” terror module were among the events that unsettled the state and drew national attention. Together, they showed a Haryana that looked stable on the surface, but uneasy underneath.

 

BJP’s electoral sweep

 

After securing a third consecutive victory in the October 2024 assembly elections, the BJP continued its winning streak by sweeping the civic body polls in March 2025. The Congress, which had hoped to revive its fortunes, failed to win even a single seat in the local elections.

 

“White-collar” terror module busted

 

In November, the exposure of a terror module grabbed national attention for weeks and forced authorities to place Haryana on high alert. The case raised serious concerns about internal security and alleged links to educated professionals.

 

In November, Jammu and Kashmir Police, along with their counterparts in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, busted the “white-collar” terror module. Investigators traced links to Faridabad’s Al Falah University, where some faculty members were allegedly connected to the Delhi car blast.

 

Authorities recovered around 2,900 kg of explosives from two villages in Faridabad district. Among the first arrested was Dr Muzzamil Ganaie from Pulwama in south Kashmir. Several other suspects, including Kashmiri doctors, were later taken into custody.

 

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) subsequently took over the investigation into the “white-collar” terror module. The case was linked to the deadly car blast near Delhi’s Red Fort on November 10, which claimed the lives of 15 people.

 

Espionage network during Operation Sindoor

 

During Operation Sindoor, authorities uncovered an espionage network operating out of Haryana. This group was accused of passing sensitive information to foreign agents. The investigation led to the arrest of several spies, including Jyoti Malhotra from Hisar. Their capture raised serious concerns about security gaps within the state. The case put Haryana on high alert and reminded everyone of the hidden threats lurking beyond the usual borders.

 

IPS officer’s alleged suicide

 

Just a month before the terror module was busted, another shocking incident shook the state. A senior IPS officer’s alleged suicide made national headlines and triggered a series of developments, including the removal of then Director General of Police Shatrujeet Kapur.

 

Y Puran Kumar (52), a 2001-batch IPS officer, was found dead at his Chandigarh residence in Sector 11 on October 7. He allegedly shot himself. An eight-page purported suicide note accused several senior officers of caste-based discrimination, public humiliation, and mental harassment.

 

Kumar’s wife, IAS officer Amneet P Kumar, who serves in the Haryana government, gave consent for a post-mortem only after a week. She agreed after receiving assurances from the Chandigarh Police that a fair and impartial investigation would be conducted.

 

The case took a dramatic turn days later when Sandeep Kumar, an assistant sub-inspector posted in the cyber cell in Rohtak, also allegedly died by suicide. He left behind a note accusing the late IPS officer of corruption, further complicating the investigation.

 

Sports tragedies shock state

 

November also brought tragedy to Haryana’s sporting community. Two young basketball players — Hardik Rathi (16) and Aman (15) — died in separate but eerily similar incidents. Both were crushed when iron poles of basketball hoop collapsed on them during practice sessions.

 

The incidents in Rohtak and Jhajjar districts sparked outrage and led to scrutiny of the state’s sports infrastructure, safety standards, and maintenance of training facilities.

 

Illegal migration & donkey route 

 

During the year, several youths from Haryana were deported from the United States after illegally entering through the dangerous “donkey route.” The issue highlighted desperation among unemployed youth and the risks involved in illegal migration.

 

Punjab–Haryana water dispute

 

In May, tensions between Punjab and Haryana escalated over water-sharing disputes. Haryana demanded the unconditional release of water from the Bhakra dam, accusing the AAP-led Punjab government of withholding supply.

 

Floods & rain havoc

 

The monsoon season proved deadly for the state. Heavy rainfall and flooding affected many districts, and at least 12 people lost their lives because of house collapses caused by waterlogging and weakened structures.

 

Congress leadership changes

 

Political changes also unfolded within the Congress. In September, Rao Narender Singh was appointed state Congress president, while former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda was named the Congress Legislature Party leader. Soon after, senior Congress leader Sampat Singh quit the party, just a month after openly criticising Hooda’s appointment as CLP leader, exposing internal dissent within the party.

 

Congress protests over poll claims

 

In mid-November, the Congress launched month-long statewide protests after Rahul Gandhi claimed that the 2024 Haryana assembly elections were “stolen.” He alleged manipulation of electoral rolls, claiming that 25 lakh entries were fake and the Election Commission colluded with the BJP government.

 

The BJP strongly rejected these allegations. Party leaders accused Gandhi of making baseless claims and attempting to undermine the democratic mandate given by the people of Haryana.

 

Throughout the year, the Congress continued to attack the Nayab Saini government on various issues. These included law and order, unemployment, MGNREGA, environmental damage in the Aravallis, SYL canal issues, corruption, and drug abuse.

 

No-confidence motion fails

 

Towards the end of the year, the Congress moved a no-confidence motion against the state government in the Assembly. The motion was defeated, reaffirming the BJP government’s majority.

 

Congress rebuilding efforts

 

In June, Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Haryana triggered efforts to rebuild the Congress’s organisational structure. The party had lacked a formal organisational setup in the state for over a decade.

 

Anil Vij’s dissent

 

Haryana minister Anil Vij also made headlines after accusing some individuals of running a “parallel BJP” in his Ambala Cantt constituency, allegedly with the backing of senior leaders. His remarks stirred internal controversy.

 

This was not the first time the 72-year-old BJP veteran openly voiced dissatisfaction. Anil Vij has frequently spoken out on issues which trouble him.

 

BJP’s third-term push

 

Less than a year into its third term, the Nayab Saini government rolled out several key poll promises. Among them was the ‘Deen Dayal Lado Lakshmi Yojana,’ under which eligible women receive Rs 2,100 per month, released quarterly.

 

Landmark moment for President at Ambala

 

The year also witnessed several landmark moments. In October, President Droupadi Murmu flew in a Rafale fighter jet from the Ambala Air Force Station, later calling the experience unforgettable.

 

Appointments

 

Haryana took pride as Justice Surya Kant, a native of Petwar village in Hisar district, was sworn in as the 53rd Chief Justice of India. Veteran leader Ashim Kumar Ghosh also took oath as the state’s new Governor.

 

New district notification

 

In December, Hansi was officially declared Haryana’s 23rd district, marking an administrative milestone for the state.

 

Modi’s Kurukshetra visit

 

In November, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Kurukshetra to pay tribute at a religious event commemorating the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur. He also participated in the International Gita Festival, closing the year on a strong cultural and spiritual note.

 

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