Haryana is currently in the midst of a crucial assembly election as more than 2 crore eligible voters, including 8,821 centenarians, continue to cast their votes. The election, originally scheduled for October 1 but postponed by the Election Commission, will take place on Saturday, with polling stations open from 7 am to 6 pm across all 90 constituencies. A total of 20,629 polling booths have been set up to ensure a smooth voting process.
The counting of votes will be conducted on October 8, alongside the results of the Jammu and Kashmir elections. The campaigning period officially concluded on Thursday, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated elections in recent times.
Major Political Parties and Campaign Strategies
Several prominent political parties are competing for control of the Haryana Assembly, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Indian National Congress (INC), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) in alliance with the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), and the Jannayak Janata Party (JJP) in partnership with the Azad Samaj Party.
BJP’s Push for a Third Term
The BJP is aiming for its third consecutive term in power, largely highlighting the achievements of its “double-engine” government—a term used to describe synchronized governance between the state and the central government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has been at the forefront of the BJP’s campaign, emphasizing the party’s developmental work and initiatives over the past decade.
Congress’ Fight for a Comeback
On the other hand, the Indian National Congress is determined to regain power after a 10-year hiatus. Led by Rahul Gandhi and Bhupinder Singh Hooda, the Congress campaign has focused on the need for change, addressing issues such as unemployment, inflation, and farmers’ concerns. Gandhi’s “Bharat Jodo Yatra” has been a key element in their strategy to connect with voters across the state.
AAP’s Ambitious Stand
The Aam Aadmi Party, led by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, is contesting independently in Haryana after failing to secure an alliance with the Congress. Kejriwal, known for his social welfare schemes in Delhi, has promised similar governance models for Haryana, positioning the AAP as a potential kingmaker. “The next government cannot be formed without AAP’s support,” Kejriwal boldly claimed during his campaign rallies.
The Role of Regional Alliances
Regional alliances are also playing a crucial role in this election. The INLD has formed an alliance with the Bahujan Samaj Party, while the JJP, led by Dushyant Chautala, has partnered with the Azad Samaj Party. These alliances could play a pivotal role in forming a coalition government if no single party secures a majority.
Key Candidates in the Fray
A total of 1,031 candidates, including 101 women, are contesting in the 2024 Haryana assembly elections. Among the constituencies, Jind has the highest number of candidates, with 72 individuals vying for a seat. Some of the most prominent candidates include:
- Nayab Singh Saini (BJP): The incumbent Chief Minister seeking re-election and a third term for the BJP.
- Bhupinder Singh Hooda (Congress): Former Chief Minister and a key Congress leader aiming to bring his party back to power.
- Dushyant Chautala (JJP): Deputy Chief Minister and leader of the JJP, who could once again play a critical role in any post-election coalition.
- Vinesh Phogat (Congress): Wrestling champion turned politician, representing a fresh face in Congress.
- Savitri Jindal and Chitra Sarwara: Notable independent candidates with strong influence in their respective constituencies.
Exit Polls and Legal Restrictions
According to the Election Commission’s guidelines, exit polls for the Haryana assembly election will not be published until 6:30 pm on polling day. This delay is in accordance with Section 126A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which prohibits the publication of exit polls during voting hours to prevent any undue influence on voters.
Exit polls have been a contentious aspect of election coverage, often shaping public perception before official results are declared. However, their accuracy has varied significantly over the years.
A Look Back at 2019’s Election Results
In the 2019 Haryana assembly elections, the BJP emerged as the single largest party, securing 40 seats—seven short of a majority in the 90-seat legislature. The Congress finished in second place with 31 seats, while the Jannayak Janata Party (JJP), led by Dushyant Singh Chautala, won 10 seats.
Although the BJP fell short of an outright majority, it successfully formed a coalition government by partnering with the JJP and seven independent MLAs. This partnership led to the formation of a BJP-JJP alliance government, with Manohar Lal Khattar as Chief Minister and Dushyant Chautala as Deputy Chief Minister.
