Haryana is ramping up security measures ahead of the Assembly elections scheduled for October 5. The state’s Director General of Police (DGP) Shatrujeet Kapoor announced on Wednesday that extensive security arrangements are in place to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process.
The Union Home Ministry has deployed 225 paramilitary companies, and an additional 60,000 security personnel have been stationed across the state. Special Police Officers (SPOs) are also mobilized, with over 11,000 on duty to support election security.
In preparation, law enforcement has intensified monitoring, particularly in sensitive areas like Nuh, where 13 paramilitary companies have been stationed. DGP Kapoor reported significant financial and contraband seizures aimed at preventing electoral misconduct. “Over 60 crore rupees have been recovered across Haryana, primarily in Gurugram, Faridabad, and Ambala,” he noted. Police also seized 27,000 liters of illegal liquor and dismantled a counterfeit liquor production facility.
DGP Kapoor urged the public to participate actively in the democratic process, stressing the need for cooperation to uphold fair elections.
Control Rooms and Monitoring Arrangements
Haryana’s Chief Electoral Officer, Pankaj Agarwal, stated that control rooms have been set up at state, district, and assembly levels to oversee webcasting at polling stations. He also warned that polling agents must adhere strictly to authorized activities on election day, with strict action awaiting violators. Agarwal emphasized the vigilance at checkpoints to curb illegal transport of cash, liquor, drugs, and weapons.
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Haryana Assembly Election Schedule
The state will hold elections on October 5 to elect 90 representatives for its legislative assembly, with vote counting set for October 8. With tight security and extensive monitoring measures in place, Haryana is gearing up for a crucial day at the polls.
Overview of Previous Haryana Assembly Elections
2019 Haryana Assembly Elections
The last Haryana Assembly elections were held on October 21, 2019. The voter turnout was recorded at 68.20%, with the results announced on October 24, 2019. Here are some key highlights from that election:
BJP Victory: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged as the clear winner, securing 40 out of 90 seats in the Haryana Legislative Assembly. This marked a significant achievement as the party aimed to retain power in the state. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged as the largest party and formed a government through a post-poll alliance with the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) and seven Independent MLAs. Manohar Lal Khattar of the BJP and Dushyant Chautala, the President of the JJP, were sworn in as Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, respectively, of the BJP-JJP coalition government.
Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar: Manohar Lal Khattar continued as the Chief Minister after leading the BJP to victory. His government focused on various developmental schemes and initiatives, aiming to improve infrastructure, education, and healthcare. In the previous election held in 2014, the BJP secured a majority, ending the decade-long rule of the Congress party in the state, which led to Manohar Lal Khattar assuming the role of Chief Minister.
Congress Performance: The Indian National Congress (INC), which was the main opposition party, won 31 seats, showing a decline from its previous standing. The party struggled to regain the trust of voters, and its inability to present a strong alternative to the BJP affected its performance.
JJP’s Entry: The Janta Jananayak Party (JJP), a relatively new political entity led by Dushyant Chautala, made a significant impact by winning 10 seats. The JJP formed an alliance with the BJP post-elections, enabling the latter to secure a majority.
Voter Turnout: The voter turnout in the 2019 elections was around 76%, which was slightly lower than the previous election in 2014. This turnout reflected the electorate’s engagement, despite concerns about key issues such as unemployment and farmer distress.
Key Issues: Major issues during the 2019 elections included unemployment, agricultural distress, women’s safety, and law and order. Candidates and parties focused their campaigns around these topics, seeking to resonate with voters’ concerns.
2014 Haryana Assembly Elections
For additional context, here’s a brief overview of the 2014 Haryana Assembly elections:
1. BJP’s Historic Win: The 2014 elections marked a significant turning point, with the BJP winning 47 seats and forming the government for the first time in Haryana.
2. INC’s Decline: The Congress Party, which had been in power for a decade, faced a major setback, winning only 15 seats.
3. New Faces: This election saw a shift in voter preferences, leading to the emergence of new political players and a change in the traditional voting patterns.
4.Key Campaign Issues: Major issues included corruption, infrastructure development, and economic growth, which were central to the BJP’s campaign message.
The Haryana Assembly elections have historically been a barometer for voter sentiment in the state, reflecting changes in political alliances and emerging issues. As the 2024 elections approach, the outcomes of the previous elections, along with the performance of the current government, will play a crucial role in shaping party strategies and voter expectations.
