Voting commenced on Saturday for 90 assembly seats in Haryana, marking the culmination of intense campaigns by major political parties, including the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress. Both parties are vying for control of the state, with the BJP aiming for a third consecutive term, while the Congress hopes to capitalize on anti-incumbency sentiments.
Union Minister and former Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar cast his vote at the GGSSS Prem Nagar polling station in Karnal. Speaking to the media before voting, Khattar encouraged citizens to exercise their right to vote, adding, “The administration has made all the arrangements and elections will be held peacefully. BJP is confident of winning and we will form the government in the state for the 3rd time.”
#WATCH | Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar casts his vote at a polling station in Karnal for the #HaryanaElection pic.twitter.com/V297HyO8bP
— ANI (@ANI) October 5, 2024
This election is critical for the BJP as it seeks a third straight term in office, while the Congress is banking on anti-incumbency and issues such as the farmer and wrestler protests to reclaim power. The main contesting parties include the BJP, Congress, and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Additionally, there are two notable pre-poll alliances: the Indian National Lok Dal-Bahujan Samaj Party (INLD-BSP) and the Jannayak Janta Party-Azad Samaj Party (JJP-ASP).
Voting is being held from 7 am to 6 pm, with 1,031 candidates competing for seats across 90 assembly constituencies. To accommodate voters, 20,632 polling booths have been established. The election results will be announced on October 8, along with those of Jammu and Kashmir.
According to Haryana’s Chief Electoral Officer, Pankaj Agarwal, 2,03,54,350 voters are eligible to cast their ballots, including 1,07,75,957 males, 95,77,926 females, and 467 third-gender voters. To ensure security, 29,462 police personnel, 21,196 home guards, and 10,403 Special Police Officers (SPOs) have been deployed across the state. Surveillance has been tightened to maintain order and allow citizens to vote without fear.
Among the key figures in the election is wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who joined the Congress on September 6, along with fellow Olympian Bajrang Punia. Phogat became involved in politics after her disqualification from the Paris Olympics women’s 50 kg final.
The JJP-ASP alliance is contesting all 90 constituencies, with JJP fielding candidates in 70 seats and ASP in 20. In the 2019 Haryana Assembly elections, the BJP won 40 out of 90 seats and formed a coalition government with the JJP, which secured 10 seats. The Congress won 31 seats in that election, though the JJP later exited the coalition.
The state is under strict surveillance with an aim to ensure peaceful voting. This election marks a key moment for Haryana as political parties battle for control amidst significant social and economic issues.
