Haryana Assembly Elections 2024: A High-Stakes Battle with 22.7% Voter Turnout by 11 AM

Haryana Assembly Elections 2024: A High-Stakes Battle with 22.7% Voter Turnout by 11 AM

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The Haryana Assembly elections 2024 are officially underway, with a voter turnout of 22.7% reported by 11 am. The stakes are high as Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini of the BJP, Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Olympic wrestler Vinesh Phogat, and JJP’s Dushyant Chautala are among the key figures whose fate will be determined. A total of 1,027 candidates are competing for 90 Assembly seats, making this one of the most anticipated political events of the year.

Key Candidates and Their Constituencies

Nayab Singh Saini (BJP): The current Chief Minister, Nayab Singh Saini, is battling to secure a third consecutive term for the BJP. His constituency of Ladwa will be closely watched as the BJP aims to maintain its stronghold in Haryana.

Bhupinder Singh Hooda (Congress): The former Chief Minister of Haryana and leader of the Congress party is seeking a comeback in Garhi Sampla-Kiloi. His experience and legacy make him a formidable contender.

Vinesh Phogat (Congress): The Olympic wrestler turned politician is running for the Julana constituency. Her presence in the political arena has generated significant attention due to her popularity and sports background.

Dushyant Chautala (JJP): The Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) leader and current Deputy Chief Minister, Dushyant Chautala, is contesting from Uchana Kalan. His party plays a key role in the coalition government, making this a critical race for the JJP.

Voter Turnout: A Key Indicator

With a voter turnout of 22.7% by 11 am, the early hours of the election day have seen a decent engagement from the public. Historically, higher voter turnout can signal a desire for change, while lower numbers often indicate contentment with the status quo. As the day progresses, turnout numbers will likely climb, providing a clearer picture of the electorate's mood.

BJP's Campaign and Modi's Influence

The ruling BJP’s campaign has been heavily influenced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who conducted four rallies in the state. Modi has focused his speeches on criticizing the Congress, accusing the party of obstructing important national issues, including the Ram temple dispute. His involvement has energized BJP supporters and bolstered the party’s chances of securing a third term.

The BJP’s strategy also includes alliances and strategic decisions, such as not contesting in Sirsa, leaving the field open for Haryana Lokhit Party chief Gopal Kanda, who is seeking re-election.

Congress's Fight for a Comeback

On the other hand, Congress is determined to make a comeback after a decade in opposition. Rahul Gandhi, in his public meetings, has proclaimed a "Congress storm" in Haryana, promising a government focused on the welfare of poor farmers. His campaign has emphasized the establishment of “mohabbat ki dukan” (shops of love), a symbolic gesture of Congress’s dedication to improving the state’s socio-economic conditions.

The Congress has also formed alliances as part of the INDIA bloc, ceding the Bhiwani assembly seat to its partner, the Communist Party of India (Marxist). This strategic move is aimed at consolidating opposition votes against the BJP.

Notable Battles Across the State

Several constituencies are witnessing high-profile battles that could shape the future political landscape of Haryana:

Abhay Singh Chautala (INLD) is contesting from Ellenabad, and his performance will be pivotal for the Indian National Lok Dal’s (INLD) political survival.

Anil Vij (BJP), a senior BJP leader, is running in Ambala Cantt, while Capt Abhimanyu is contesting from Narnaund.

Anurag Dhanda (AAP) is representing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Kalayat, further expanding AAP’s influence in the state.

Brijendra Singh (Congress) is up against Dushyant Chautala in Uchana Kalan, a contest that has captured the attention of political analysts.

In Adampur, BJP has fielded Bhavan Lal, grandson of former Chief Minister Bhajan Lal, while Arti Rao, daughter of Union Minister Rao Inderjit Singh, is contesting from Ateli in Mahendragarh.

Independent Candidates and Their Influence

The election also sees prominent independent candidates, such as Savitri Jindal in Hisar and Ranjit Chautala in Rania. These independent candidates hold significant sway in their constituencies and could play a decisive role in forming the next government if no party wins an outright majority.

Key Issues at Play

The Haryana Assembly elections have revolved around several pressing issues, including unemployment, farmer distress, and development. The MUDRA loans, welfare schemes for farmers, and the state’s overall economic growth have been key talking points for the BJP. Congress, on the other hand, has highlighted farmer protests and unemployment, seeking to attract rural voters.

Additionally, law and order, women’s safety, and education have been significant issues raised by various parties throughout the campaign.

Conclusion

As the Haryana Assembly elections 2024 unfold, all eyes are on the voter turnout and the performance of key candidates like Nayab Singh Saini, Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Vinesh Phogat, and Dushyant Chautala. With a significant voter turnout already recorded, the stage is set for a dramatic electoral showdown.

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