The stage is set for the 2024 Haryana Assembly elections, with political parties intensifying their campaigns and appeals to voters. On October 5, citizens of Haryana will head to the polls to choose representatives for their 90 assembly seats. With over two crore eligible voters, the stakes are high as the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) looks to maintain its grip on power against a resurgent Congress party. Amidst this political showdown, the voices of prominent leaders and candidates resonate across the state, each advocating for their vision of Haryana's future.
Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, campaigning from Ladwa, cast his vote early at his native village. He emphasized the BJP's track record, proclaiming, "The mood of the people of Haryana is clear; the BJP is going to form the government for the third time with a big mandate." Saini accused the Congress party of engaging in deceptive politics, stating, "They do politics of 'jhooth and loot,' and the people of Haryana have understood this." He claimed the BJP's policies have garnered the support of farmers, who have been vocal about their demands for minimum wages.
Meanwhile, former Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, who also cast his vote, expressed confidence about the BJP's chances. "We will win more than 50 seats this year," he declared, reflecting on the party's past performance, where it secured 40 seats in the 2019 elections. Khattar attributed Congress's misfortunes to internal strife, referring to the recent rejoining of Ashok Tanwar as indicative of the Congress's chaotic state, famously saying it revives the "aaya ram gaya ram" politics, which refers to politicians frequently switching parties.
On the other hand, Congress party leaders are equally optimistic. Bhupinder Singh Hooda, the Leader of Opposition, expressed confidence as he voted at Sanghi village. He claimed, "People have decided to oust them. BJP is on its way out, and Congress is coming back to power." Kumari Selja, also of Congress, noted the long-awaited anticipation for these elections among Haryana's voters, asserting, "People have been waiting for the election to happen so they can kick the incumbent out." When asked about the possibility of her becoming the Chief Minister, Selja responded, "The party will decide after the results come."
Newcomers, celebrities, and influential figures also shaped the discourse surrounding these elections. Savitri Jindal, contesting independently after being denied a ticket by the BJP, urged voters, "Everyone should vote. I will try to make Hisar beautiful and developed." Jindal, the mother of BJP MP Naveen Jindal, appealed for citizen engagement, underscoring the importance of the electoral process.
Taking the narrative to the youth, Olympic wrestler Vinesh Phogat, representing Congress from the Julana constituency, called for recognition of voting power. After casting her ballot, she told the public, "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 recognize their power." Vinesh highlighted issues like unemployment, drug abuse, and women's safety, emphasizing the need for fresh leadership to tackle these pressing challenges.
Arvind Kejriwal, the Aam Aadmi Party leader, also shared his thoughts, urging voters to opt for a "better future" for Haryana. His calls for action were echoed by Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who highlighted the necessity of defeating "the injustices faced by farmers, youth, and wrestlers" during the BJP's ten-year rule. "Vote against the misrule," she urged, encapsulating the sentiments of those rallying for change.
Polling commenced at 7 AM and is scheduled to close at 6 PM, attracting considerable attention. The Election Commission reported voter turnout figures showing around 36.69% by early afternoon, with Mewat recording the highest turnout. Polling booths, totaling 20,632, were set up across the state for the convenience of voters.
Another significant angle stemming from this election is the role of smaller parties and alliances. The electoral scene is dotted with independent candidates, pre-poll alliances, and some who have previously switched parties. The Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) have combined forces, contrasting with the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) joining hands with the Azad Samaj Party. The reduced influence of smaller parties presents both challenges and opportunities for the main contenders.
With the counting of votes set for October 8, political analysts and observers will be closely watching how the new faces, alliances, and the central themes of development, corruption, and safety resonate with voters. Each party believes it has the upper hand, leading to heightened anticipation across Haryana. Amidst political fervor and fervent campaigning, the collective focus remains on the outcome of this pivotal election and how it shapes Haryana's political fabric for years to come.
