The intense campaigning for the Haryana Assembly elections, set for October 5, has come to a close. The BJP is looking to overcome anti-incumbency sentiments to secure a third consecutive term, while the Congress aims for a comeback after being out of power for a decade. More than two crore voters, including 8,821 centenarians, are eligible to cast their ballots across all 90 constituencies.
A total of 20,629 polling booths are ready to facilitate the voting process. After 6 PM on Thursday, no political party or candidate is allowed to hold public meetings or rallies.
The BJP has focused its campaign on showcasing the achievements of its “double-engine” government while criticizing the Congress for its record on reservation, corruption, and dynastic politics. Core issues related to women, youth, farmers, and the poor are central to the manifestos of both parties.
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On the final day of campaigning, prominent leaders like Rahul Gandhi, Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Yogi Adityanath, and Nayab Singh Saini took to the streets to rally support for their respective parties.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been a key figure in the BJP’s campaign, addressing several rallies where he targeted the Congress. He accused the opposition of complicating significant national issues, such as the Ram temple. Modi highlighted the initiatives taken by the BJP-led governments to improve welfare for various groups, urging voters to bring the BJP back to power for continued development.
In his speeches, Modi characterized the Congress as the “biggest anti-Dalit party” and accused it of focusing on appeasement for electoral gain. He emphasized that no one can take away reservations for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes, and labeled the Congress a party of “dalalon” (middlemen) and “damadon.”
Additionally, Modi warned voters about the Congress’s intentions regarding Article 370, asking them to be cautious of its promises. He and other BJP leaders, including Amit Shah, stressed that during Congress’s previous rule in Haryana, not a single job was filled without “kharchi and parchi” (corruption and favoritism).
As the election approaches, there are 1,031 candidates in the fray, including 101 women. Notable figures include Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini (Ladwa), Leader of the Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda (Garhi Sampla-Kiloi), INLD’s Abhay Singh Chautala (Ellenabad), and JJP’s Dushyant Chautala (Uchana Kalan).
In the last assembly elections in 2019, the BJP won 40 seats while the Congress secured 31. The BJP formed a government in coalition with the JJP and received support from several independent candidates. However, the alliance with the JJP ended earlier this year when Nayab Singh Saini took over as chief minister from Manohar Lal Khattar.
As voting day approaches, all eyes are on Haryana, with the electorate’s decision set to shape the state’s political landscape.
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