Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: The political fate of Haryana’s Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda, wrestler-turned-politician Vinesh Phogat, and JJP leader Dushyant Chautala will be decided today as Haryana goes to polls across 90 assembly constituencies. The ruling BJP is eyeing a third consecutive term in office, while the Congress seeks to regain control after a decade-long absence from power.
Here are 10 key points on the election:
1. BJP Aims for Third Term, Congress Looks for a Revival
Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini leads the BJP’s charge for a hat-trick victory in Haryana, while the Congress, under the leadership of Bhupinder Singh Hooda, is seeking to regain power after losing ground in the state for the past decade.
2. Campaigns Led by Modi and Rahul Gandhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi fronted the BJP’s campaign with rallies targeting Congress, emphasizing unresolved national issues. In contrast, Rahul Gandhi promised a “Congress storm” and assured voters that his party would focus on uplifting the poor and farmers if elected.
3. BJP and Congress Face Off
The two parties are set for head-on battles in most of the seats. The Congress is collaborating with CPI(M) in Bhiwani, while the BJP decided not to contest the Sirsa seat, giving space to Gopal Kanda from Haryana Lokhit Party.
4. Key Candidates to Watch
Several high-profile candidates are in the fray, including Chief Minister Saini (Ladwa), Bhupinder Hooda (Garhi Sampla-Kiloi), INLD’s Abhay Chautala (Ellenabad), JJP’s Dushyant Chautala (Uchana Kalan), and BJP’s Anil Vij (Ambala Cantt).
5. New Faces and Independent Players
The BJP has fielded Bhavya Bishnoi, grandson of former Chief Minister Bhajan Lal, from Adampur. Additionally, prominent independent candidates like Savitri Jindal (Hisar) and Chitra Sarwara (Ambala Cantt) are adding interest to the elections.
6. Rebel Candidates Stirring Competition
Rebel candidates from both the BJP and Congress have added complexity to the race, particularly in seats like Tosham, where cousins Shruti Choudhry and Anirudh Chaudhary are competing against each other.
7. Security Arrangements
Over 30,000 police personnel and 225 paramilitary companies have been deployed across the state to ensure a peaceful election, according to Haryana DGP Shatrujeet Kapur.
8. Voter Profile
Haryana has 1.07 crore male voters, 95 lakh female voters, and 467 transgender voters. Notably, 8,821 voters are aged over 100, including more than 3,000 men and over 5,500 women.
9. Previous Election Results
In the 2019 election, the BJP won 40 seats, Congress claimed 31, and the JJP secured 10. The BJP formed a government with the JJP’s support, although the alliance ended after the BJP named Nayab Singh Saini as Chief Minister in March.
10. Counting Day
Votes cast today will be counted on October 8, revealing whether the BJP will continue its rule in Haryana or if the Congress can stage a comeback.
