Haryana Election 2024 Updates: Polling concludes, all eyes on exit poll predictions

Polling concludes, all eyes on exit poll predictions

Counting of votes on October 8, alongwith J&K

A voter turnout of 61 percent was recorded by 5pm.

A voter turnout of 54.3 percent was recorded by 4 PM

Congress MP Deepender Hooda asserted today, “Congress is set to form the government in Haryana with a resounding majority. Reports from all corners of Haryana indicate that change is happening, and Congress is coming to power. What difference does it make what the BJP says? They claimed they’d secure over 400 seats in the Lok Sabha elections, but what happened? Now, in the Assembly elections, the people of Haryana are wiping the BJP out.”

Yamunanagar is leading with the highest voting percentage of 56.79 percent followed by Mewat with 56.59 percent.

Lowest voter turnout is recorded in Gurugram with 38.61 percent.

Haryana AAP President Sushil Gupta said, "Today, Haryana is celebrating the festival of democracy. People are voting for a change, they are waiting for a better health and education system in the state... AAP will come as a third option in the state."

Sunil Kumar became the centre of attraction at a polling booth in Kurukshetra on Saturday as he reached there to cast his vote in his wedding attire.

The groom from Kurukshetra district in Haryana exercised his franchise before tying the knot.

"I want to give a message to all that casting votes is very important. Nobody should waste a vote," Kumar said after voting at the polling booth in the Ladwa assembly seat.

Voter turnout reaches 49.13% by 3pm

Yamunanagar leads with 56.79%

Haryana’s Mewat recorded the highest voter turnout at 42.64% till 1 pm and Pankula was at the lowest with 25.89%.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and former party chief Rahul Gandhi on Saturday urged voters in Haryana to come out in large numbers to cast their vote for the Congress to help initiate a change in the state.

Terming the election underway as "very important," Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi urged them to vote for the Congress for the prosperity of farmers, jobs of youth, safety and respect of women, security and the well-being of every family.

"Every vote you give to Congress will protect the Constitution and will become your weapon against the atrocities of the BJP," he said in a post in Hindi on X.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said, "In the last 10 years, good work has been done in Haryana with the blessings of PM Modi. No one takes seriously what Congress says. For 70 years, they have made false promises. They can win a few elections here and there but will not come to power. The words of Rahul Gandhi are so objectionable that it saddens us, he can criticise us but he shouldn't say things which harm the nation..."

Congress candidate and Olympic wrestler Vinesh Phogat urged people to recognise their power and exercise their franchise on Saturday in the Haryana assembly election, saying it is the day of change.

"We want to work in all areas in the coming five years. Today is the day of change, today is the day to awaken new hope. I appeal to the people of Haryana to come out of their homes and recognise their power," Phogat said.

Even as Haryana went to vote, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Saturday accused the Congress of following the policy of plundering the state by deceiving the electorate.

"Congress does the politics of 'jhooth and loot' and the people of Haryana have understood this. They have made up their minds to bring back the BJP in Haryana for a third time," Saini told reporters on the day of the voting.

Congress has been regularly insulting the Dalit community and never made any scheme for the upliftment of Dalits, he said.

Haryana CM and BJP candidate from Ladwa assembly constituency Nayab Singh Saini said, "We are getting a lot of love, lotus is blooming in the entire state, lotus is blooming in Ladwa too."

He added, "We have ended the Congress' politics of nepotism and discrimination. Hooda sahab used to look only at a particular class, only at a particular region. But in our government, we have worked for Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, taking everyone along... the amount of work we have done in the last 10 years, even 7 generations of Congress will not be able to do that much work."

Congress leader Sachin Pilot stated today, "We’ve clearly outlined our seven guarantees to the people. We are prepared to serve with a strong mandate." He highlights positive feedback across the state, highlighting voters’ desire for change after BJP's ten-year performance. "I am optimistic about forming the government," he adds.

As of 1 pm, Mewat has reported the highest voter turnout at 42.64 percent, followed closely by Yamunanagar at 42.08 percent and Jind at 41.93 percent. Panchkula, meanwhile, recorded the lowest voter turnout, standing at 25.89 percent.

After casting his vote, Congress leader Ashok Tanwar declared, "Congress will secure a minimum of 75 seats. There is a strong atmosphere of change, and Congress will undoubtedly achieve great success. The party stands with all sections of society, and this mandate is a response to those who have failed to meet the people's expectations over the last 10 years."

Wrestler Sangeeta Phogat expresses her excitement after casting her vote, stating, "I am happy that I have cast my first vote for change. Everyone is tired of BJP; everyone wants the government to change this time and is voting for Congress!"

Gopal Kanda, the Haryana Lokhit Party candidate from the Sirsa Assembly seat, expressed confidence about his prospects in the upcoming elections. He remarked, "The mood of the people is one-sided here, they are giving their blessings. There is no contest here..."

Congress MP Deepender Hooda asserted today, "Congress is set to form the government in Haryana with a resounding majority. Reports from all corners of Haryana indicate that change is happening, and Congress is coming to power. What difference does it make what the BJP says? They claimed they’d secure over 400 seats in the Lok Sabha elections, but what happened? Now, in the Assembly elections, the people of Haryana are wiping the BJP out."

As of 11 am, Palwal leads with a turnout of 27.94 percent, followed closely by Jind at 27.20 percent, and Mewat at 25.65 percent. Panchkula, meanwhile, has the lowest turnout, sitting at 13.46 percent.

On the Haryana Assembly elections, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia states, "Today is a celebration of democracy in Haryana. We are confident that there will be strong voter turnout and that the BJP government will be formed in Haryana for the third time..."

Congress MP Kumari Selja says, "I am on a certain level, and people, along with the high command, are observing this. They will decide (about the CM's face). Congress is poised to win, while the BJP will suffer a loss. The 'misrule' of the BJP over the last 10 years has caused significant hardship for the people..."

In a dramatic turn during the Haryana Assembly elections, Balraj Kundu, the Haryana Jan Sevak Party nominee from the Meham constituency, accused former Congress MLA Anand Singh Dangi of assaulting him and his personal assistant at a polling booth in Rohtak district. In a video message, Kundu claimed the incident occurred while he was visiting polling booth number 134. He alleged that Dangi ripped his clothes and had him "manhandled," with his personal assistant also being beaten.

BJP MP Naveen Jindal made a unique entrance at a polling station in Kurukshetra, arriving on horseback to cast his vote in the Haryana Assembly elections. His distinct mode of transport garnered attention as he exercised his franchisee in the ongoing elections.

As per the Election Commission of India (ECI) data, Jind registered the highest voter turnout at 12.71 percent by 9 am in the ongoing Haryana elections. It was followed by Palwal with 12.45 percent, Ambala with 11.87 percent, Fatehabad with 11.81 percent, and Mahendragarh recording 11.51 percent voter turnout.

In Sonipat, Haryana, after casting his vote, wrestler and BJP leader Yogeshwar Dutt expressed his appeal to voters, stating, "I have cast my vote in my village and I request people to vote as much as possible and strengthen democracy. Play your important role in forming a strong government; vote to take Haryana forward." He expressed confidence in the BJP's victory, adding, "BJP's lotus will bloom for the third time in Haryana, and Nayab Singh Saini will take oath as CM for the second time."

In Charkhi Dadri, Haryana, BJP leader Babita Phogat made an appeal to the public, stating, "For the welfare and development of the state, I would urge everyone to come out and vote in large numbers. This is your biggest responsibility as a citizen of this country." She stressed the importance of voter participation and, addressing a question about her sister Vinesh Phogat's political stance, added, "It is everyone's personal decision which party they want to be affiliated with. It's her choice and I respect her decision."

In Rohtak, former Haryana Chief Minister and Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda urged voters to participate actively in the elections, saying, "I appeal to people to come out of their houses and cast their votes peacefully. According to the reports, people are voting in good numbers. Congress is going to form its government here." Hooda expressed confidence in his party's chances of winning the elections.

After casting his vote in Sirsa, Haryana, Independent candidate Ranjit Singh Chautala, contesting from the Rania Assembly seat, remarked, “There is an election of personalities here. On one side is Bhupinder Singh Hooda, and on the other side are Nayab Saini and Manohar Lal Khattar. Bhupinder Singh Hooda is emerging as a bigger choice. I joined the BJP because of Prime Minister Modi. The INLD, BJP, and HLP are in alliance, and if the INLD secures any seat, they will support the BJP only.”

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Saini appealead to the people of Haryana, urging them to achieve 100 percent voter turnout in the upcoming elections. He credited the "double engine government" under Prime Minister Modi for significantly advancing the state's development over the past decade. Saini emphasized that his administration has operated with integrity and highlighted the unwavering support from various groups, including wrestlers, soldiers, farmers, youth, women, and the underprivileged, all of whom have benefited from the BJP's schemes.

"The double engine government in Haryana, under the leadership of PM Modi, has taken the state to newer heights of development in the last 10 years. Our government has worked with honesty in the last 10 years. Wrestlers, jawans, farmers, youths, women, and poor people all are standing firmly with the BJP as we have ensured that they receive benefits of schemes," he noted.

Meanwhile, continuing his attack on the Congress, Manohar Lal Khattar stated, "The leaders of the Congress party are merely putting on a show, and the public has finally caught on to this. The Congress party only cares about one family and disregards everyone else. Kumari Selja's community sees her as their leader, and when she is insulted, they perceive it as an insult to themselves. When the followers of a leader feel disrespected, they begin to turn against the party that has wronged their leader and start seeking alternatives."

Haryana Election 2024 Live Updates: Vote for farmer prosperity, employment, women safety, urges Rahul Gandhi

Khattar further remarked, "When their offers and freebies were supposed to translate into votes, they backed off, and the public can see that clearly. In Himachal Pradesh, for instance, they have started charging electricity rates that they previously exempted. They have talked extensively about the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) and the New Pension Scheme (NPS) but have yet to implement OPS anywhere. We have progressed beyond NPS and introduced the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS). We make promises and implement policies while carefully considering our budget. Congress, on the other hand, seeks to mislead voters and has only worked to create divisions among different castes."

Interacting with the press after casting his vote, Union Minister and former Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar stated, "I believe someone advised the Congress party 6-8 months ago to continuously repeat their falsehoods until people start to believe them. However, as the elections draw near, these lies have been revealed. They haven't even announced their Chief Ministerial candidate yet. During the Congress government, people endured numerous hardships due to rampant corruption. Now, with the BJP in power, many of those agents and middlemen have lost their jobs. Unemployment in Haryana mainly affects the corrupt agents and middlemen from the Congress era, while the common citizen enjoys ample employment opportunities. The industrial growth in the state has created numerous job prospects, particularly in the NCR and along the GT Road."

Meanwhile, in Bhiwani, Haryana, BJP MP Kiran Choudhry, mother of  Shruti Choudhry, referred to the elections as "the biggest festival of democracy," urging everyone to participate. She emphasized the importance of voting for candidates who are honest and loyal, stating, "Your vote will shape the government. The people of Haryana must decide: on one side is a BJP government that has accomplished historic work for farmers, promoted women's empowerment, and created jobs for the youth. On the other side, are individuals involved in corruption and deception. The BJP listens to the common people and prioritises their interests. I am confident that the BJP government will be formed."

In Bhiwani, Haryana, Shruti Choudhry, the BJP candidate for the Tosham Assembly seat, stated, "Today is a crucial day. The power lies with the voters to shape the future through their choices. The residents here are wise and recognise which party has truly worked for every community. There has been significant development in our villages across all sectors, and I am committed to continuing that progress. The Congress party has lost its footing and lacks any organsational strength."

Dushyant Chautala, former Deputy CM and JJP leader, further noted, "This is the biggest festival of democracy. I urge every voter in Haryana to recognize that your vote is your power and will shape the future of the state for the next five years. Please step out of your homes and cast your vote before 6 PM. We are confident that the people of Haryana will strengthen the alliance between the Jannayak Janata Party and the Azad Samaj Party, giving us more support than ever before."

Savitri Jindal, an independent candidate from the Hisar constituency, proudly displays her inked finger after voting at a polling booth in Hisar. She stated, "I have cast my vote. This election belongs to the people of Hisar, and it's crucial for everyone to participate. I aim to make Hisar beautiful and developed..."

"I urge everyone to participate in large numbers. This is the biggest festival of democracy, and your vote will shape the future for the next five years. We are facing a triangular contest, and the regional parties are poised to emerge as significant forces," states former Haryana Deputy CM and JJP leader Dushyant Chautala.

Aditya Devilal, the INLD candidate from the Dabwali constituency, addressed supporters, emphasizing the significance of the INLD-BSP alliance in the current elections. He stated, "The highlight of these elections is that our family has come together... INLD and BSP have formed an alliance. Historically, whenever farmers and workers have formed an alliance, it has given rise to a huge revolution."

Devilal criticised the dominance of national parties, asserting that they have overlooked regional issues for the past two decades. He expressed optimism about the upcoming results, stating, "There's a terrific undercurrent, and the results will definitely be shocking." His remarks reflect a focus on regional concerns and a call for change in Haryana's political landscape.

Haryana Chief Minister and BJP's candidate from the Ladwa assembly seat, Nayab Singh Saini, made a strong appeal to the electorate, urging them to ensure a 100 percent voter turnout in the ongoing elections.

Saini expressed confidence in the BJP's prospects, saying, "The mood of the people of Haryana is clear. BJP is going to form its government for the third time with a huge margin on 8th October."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, taking to microblogging site X, also had a special message for first-time voters in Haryana.

"Today is voting for the Haryana Assembly elections. I appeal to all voters to be a part of this holy festival of democracy and set a new record of voting. On this occasion, my special best wishes to all the young friends of the state who are going to vote for the first time," he remarked.

Home Minister Amit Shah, taking to microblogging site X, stated today, "“The people of the brave land of Haryana are going to vote in the state today. Your one vote will keep Haryana free from the raj of expenses, corruption and dealers. I appeal to all my sisters and brothers to vote to maintain the pace of development and to elect a government that takes the government out of one district and reaches every village of Haryana. Only a government with a track record of development and good governance, and not one making false promises, can bring welfare to Haryana. First vote, then drink".

Congress candidate from the Julana Assembly Constituency, Vinesh Phogat, arrived at a polling station in Charkhi Dadri to cast her vote for the Haryana Assembly elections. Speaking to the media, she described the election as a "huge festival for Haryana" and stressed the importance of voter participation.

Phogat urged the citizens of Haryana to come out and cast their votes, stating, "It is a very big day for the people of the state." Reflecting on the past, she noted, "Ten years ago, when Bhupinder Hooda was the CM, the level of sports in the state was really good." Regarding her political aspirations, she added, "It is not in my hands (to become a minister), it is in the hands of the high command," indicating her reliance on the party's decision-making.

In Jhajjar, Haryana, Ram Kishan Bhaker, father of Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker, expressed his views on the importance of voting as he cast his ballot in the Haryana Assembly elections. He stated that Manu serves as a brand ambassador and youth icon for voting, highlighting her commitment to civic duty.

Ram Kishan stated, "Manu had to come. We vote in every election. How will our village develop if we do not vote? I would request everyone to come out and vote. It's better to come out today than to curse the government for the next five years."

The voter turnout in the 2019 polls was around 68 percent. This time, special arrangements have been made, including 144 model polling stations and provisions for webcasting to enhance transparency during the voting process.

Haryana's Chief Electoral Officer, Pankaj Agarwal, announced that 20,632 polling booths have been set up for the election. A robust security arrangement has been implemented, with nearly 30,000 police personnel and 225 paramilitary companies deployed to ensure a free and fair election process.

Haryana Chief Minister and BJP candidate from the Ladwa assembly seat, Nayab Singh Saini, was seen offering prayers at a Gurudwara in Ambala ahead of casting his vote in the ongoing Haryana Assembly elections.

As polling unfolds across the state, Saini is one of the key figures to watch, as the BJP aims to secure another term in office amidst a competitive political landscape.

Chander Mohan, the Congress candidate contesting from the Panchkula assembly seat, expressed his optimism about the party's prospects in the upcoming elections. He stated, "...Certainly, the Congress government will come to power in Haryana. I appeal to the voters of Haryana that it is necessary to change the government for the progress and prosperity of the state. When our government comes, we will fulfill all our promises," after casting his vote.

After casting her first vote, Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker highlighted the significance of participating in the democratic process. She stated, "Being the youth of this country, it is our responsibility to cast our vote for the most favorable candidate. Small steps lead to big goals... I voted for the first time."

After casting his vote, Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar confidently stated, "...We will secure more than 50 seats this time."

In 2014, the BJP ended the Congress’s decade-long rule led by former Chief Minister Bhupinder Hooda, leveraging the momentum from the "Modi wave" following the Lok Sabha elections. The saffron party achieved a vote share of 33.3% and won 47 seats, leading to the formation of a government in Haryana under CM Manohar Lal Khattar. The Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) emerged as the second-largest party with 19 seats, while Congress secured 15 seats.

Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar arrived at a polling station in Karnal to cast his vote in the ongoing Haryana Assembly elections. He urged citizens to participate in the electoral process, stating, "People should cast their vote today. The administration has made all the arrangements, and elections will be held peacefully."

Khattar expressed confidence in the BJP's prospects, asserting, "We are confident of winning and will form the government in the state for the third time."

The BJP is relying on its development record to secure a third consecutive term in the Haryana Assembly elections, but voters express concern over issues like the digitisation of family and property identity certificates. The appointment of Nayab Singh Saini as chief minister has addressed some disenchantment, but agrarian distress and dissatisfaction with the Agnipath recruitment scheme remain significant issues. Many voters feel overwhelmed by the bureaucratic process surrounding identity certificates, leading to calls for change.

The Congress, buoyed by recent Lok Sabha election results and anti-incumbency sentiment against the BJP, is positioned to capitalize on the ruling party's perceived misgovernance. Farmers are also frustrated by low prices for paddy, as wholesale rates fall well below the minimum support price (MSP). Despite Congress's strong campaigning, internal conflicts may hinder its effectiveness in the elections.

The Directorate of Education has announced a two-day holiday for all government, semi-government, and private schools in Haryana on October 4 and 5, coinciding with the elections scheduled for October 5. Originally, exams were set to take place on October 4, but they have been rescheduled to October 9.

Mock polling underway at booth numbers 65 and 66 at Geeta Niketan Vidya Mandir in Mohan Nagar for the Thanesar Assembly seat. The candidates contesting from this seat include Congress's Ashok Kumar Arora, AAP's Krishan Bajaj, BJP's Subhash Sudha, and JJP's Surya Partap Singh Rathore.

Mock polling has begun at booth number 109 for the Bhiwani Assembly seat. The candidates contesting from this seat are AAP's Indu, INLD's Karambir Yadav, BJP's Ghanshyam Saraf, and CPIM's Om Prakash.

Mock polling has commenced at polling booths 88, 89, 90, 91, and 92 for the Panchkula Assembly seat. The candidates contesting from this seat include Congress' Chander Mohan, BJP's Gian Chand Gupta, AAP's Prem Garg, and JJP's Sushil Garg.

The outgoing Assembly consists of 41 BJP MLAs, including the Speaker, 28 Congress members, 6 from the JJP, 1 each from the Haryana Lokhit Party and Indian National Lok Dal, and 4 Independents, with 9 seats currently vacant.

Among these vacancies, seven occurred as legislators from various parties resigned to join other outfits. The Badshahpur seat is empty following the death of Independent MLA Rakesh Daulatabad in May, while the Mulana seat is vacant because Congress member Varun Chaudhary, who represented it, successfully contested parliamentary elections from Ambala.

In 2019, the BJP formed the government with the support of the JJP and several Independents. However, the alliance between the JJP and the BJP dissolved after the saffron party replaced Manohar Lal Khattar with Nayab Singh Saini as chief minister in March.

In Sonipat, mock polling has commenced at polling stations number 198, 200, and 201, located in the Government Girls Senior Secondary School in Bhainswal village for Baroda Assembly seat

Key candidates vying for this seat include Congress' Induraj Singh Narwal, JJP's Deepak Malik, BJP's Pardeep Singh Sangwan, and AAP's Sandeep Malik. The mock polling aims to familiarize election officials and voters with the voting process ahead of the official polling day.

Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini aims to lead the BJP to a third consecutive term in Haryana, while a revitalized Congress looks to end its decade-long absence from power. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini is seeking to secure the BJP's third consecutive term in Haryana, while the Congress, energised by a decade out of power, hopes for a comeback. Key candidates in the election include Saini from Ladwa, Congress leader Bhupinder Hooda from Garhi Sampla-Kiloi, INLD's Abhay Chautala from Ellenabad, JJP's Dushyant Chautala from Uchana Kalan, BJP's Anil Vij from Ambala Cantt, and AAP's Anurag Dhanda from Kalayat. Olympic wrestler Vinesh Phogat, contesting from Julana on a Congress ticket, also draws attention following her recent Gold medal match disqualification. Read more.

The Bagri-dominated constituency of Rania is witnessing a dramatic family feud within the Chautala political dynasty. Veteran politician Ranjit Singh Chautala, estranged from his influential family, is fighting to retain his seat as an independent. Once a cabinet minister in the BJP government after his 2019 victory, Ranjit severed ties with the party following his defeat in the 2024 general elections. His grandnephew, Arjun Chautala of the INLD, poses a strong challenge, intensifying familial tensions. Congress has fielded YouTube journalist Sarv Mitter Kamboj, while the JJP has offered tacit support to Ranjit by not fielding a candidate in this seat. The outcome of this high-stakes contest could significantly reshape the Chautala family’s political legacy in Haryana.

In Uchana Kalan, Jind district, the stage is set for a high-profile clash between political dynasties. Congress’s Brijendra Singh, a former BJP MP and son of veteran leader Birender Singh, faces BJP’s Devender Chaturbhuj Attri and JJP leader Dushyant Chautala, who is seeking re-election. Dushyant, the grandson of former Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala, won the seat in 2019 by defeating BJP’s Prem Lata Singh, but his status as an outsider from Sirsa may factor into the race. With a large Jat population, this contest is poised to have far-reaching implications for the political landscape in Jind.

Ladwa, a small town in the Kurukshetra district, has gained political significance as Haryana’s Chief Minister, Nayab Singh Saini, contests his first assembly election from here. Elevated to the top post earlier this year, Saini, an OBC leader, faces a challenging fight against Congress’s sitting MLA, Mewa Singh, and the Indian National Lok Dal’s (INLD) Sapna Barshami. The Saini community, making up 7.5% of Ladwa’s population, could play a pivotal role in the election. However, the BJP faces an uphill battle, having lost this seat to Congress in 2019. Adding to the complexity is independent candidate Sandeep Garg, a former BJP leader and local industrialist, who could potentially split the BJP vote, making this a high-stakes contest for the new chief minister.

In the Julana constituency, the battle has captured national attention with various candidates from diverse backgrounds, including two women wrestlers, a professional pilot, and a retired tax official.

Olympian Vinesh Phogat, representing Congress, is making her political debut after retiring from international wrestling. Her main challenger is Kavita Dalal, a WWE competitor representing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). They are joined by BJP’s Yogesh Bairagi, a professional pilot, and the Jannayak Janata Party’s (JJP) sitting MLA, Amarjeet Singh Dhanda.

Phogat is campaigning as "Julana ki Bahu" (daughter-in-law), highlighting her husband’s local roots, while Dalal presents herself as "Julana ki Beti" (daughter).

With 40 percent of the electorate comprising Jat voters and significant numbers from the Scheduled Caste and Backward Class communities, the outcome hinges on local issues like unemployment, infrastructure, and education, testing Phogat’s celebrity appeal against entrenched local leadership.

The Sohna assembly seat in southern Haryana is witnessing a fiercely competitive contest, as independent candidates challenge the traditional BJP and Congress strongholds.

Tejpal Tanwar, the BJP candidate seeking re-election after his 2014 victory, faces a tough fight from Congress’s Rohtas Singh Khatana, who holds significant influence among Gujjar voters. The dynamics of the race, however, have shifted, with two prominent independents entering the fray. One of them is a former BJP leader, now running as a rebel after being denied the party's ticket, adding further unpredictability to the outcome in this key constituency.

Haryana Election 2024 Live Updates: Key constituencies in focus

Several high-profile candidates and constituencies will play a pivotal role:

Ladwa: CM Nayab Singh Saini is contesting from Ladwa, in Kurukshetra district, a seat currently held by Congress. He faces Mewa Singh (Congress) and Joga Singh (AAP).

Garhi Sampla-Kiloi: Congress stalwart and former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda is in the fray from this Rohtak district seat, where he is pitted against Manju Hooda of BJP and AAP's Pravin Guskhani.

Julana: Olympian wrestler-turned-politician Vinesh Phogat is Congress’s candidate from Julana in Jind district, taking on BJP’s Captain Yogesh Bairagi and AAP’s WWE star Kavita Dalal.

Ellenabad: INLD leader Abhay Singh Chautala is defending his seat in Ellenabad, Sirsa district, facing a strong challenge from BJP.

Uchana Kalan: JJP leader Dushyant Chautala is contesting from Uchana Kalan in Jind, a key seat where he won in 2019.

Rewari: In this Yadav-dominated constituency, Congress’s Chirajeev Rao is battling BJP’s Lakshman Singh Yadav and AAP’s Satish Yadav.

>> Nayab Singh Saini (BJP) – The Chief Minister is contesting from Ladwa after previously winning from Naraingarh and the Kurukshetra Lok Sabha seat.

>> Bhupinder Singh Hooda (Congress) – A veteran Congress leader and two-time Chief Minister, Hooda is one of the prominent figures in the election.

>> Abhay Singh Chautala (INLD) – The leader of INLD is contesting from Ellenabad, a stronghold for his party.

>> Dushyant Chautala (JJP) – The JJP chief and former Deputy Chief Minister is seeking re-election from Uchana Kalan.

>> Vinesh Phogat (Congress) – The Olympian wrestler has turned to politics and is making her debut in the assembly elections from Julana.

>> Captain Abhimanyu (BJP) – A former army officer, Abhimanyu is the wealthiest candidate in the election with assets over ₹491 crore and is contesting from Narnaund.

In the 2019 assembly elections, the BJP emerged as the largest party, winning 40 out of the 90 seats—just six short of a simple majority. The party then formed a coalition government with the JJP and Independent MLAs, with Manohar Lal Khattar as Chief Minister and Dushyant Chautala as Deputy Chief Minister. Since then, the JJP has pulled out of the alliance, adding an extra layer of complexity to the current political scenario.

This election marks a pivotal moment for the ruling BJP, seeking a third consecutive term in office. Congress, meanwhile, is looking to make a political comeback after a decade out of power. Key constituencies like Sohna, Julana, Ladwa, Rania, and Uchana Kalan are set to witness fierce contests, with both veteran leaders and fresh faces battling for victory.