Political parties in Haryana are anxiously awaiting the results of the state assembly elections, with the ruling BJP optimistic about securing a third consecutive term and the Congress, out of power for a decade, hopeful for a comeback.
The counting of votes will begin at 8 am on October 8, following the elections held on October 5, where approximately 1,031 candidates contested for 90 constituencies, including 464 Independents and 101 women.
Haryana's Chief Electoral Officer Pankaj Agarwal confirmed that all preparations, including three-tier security arrangements, have been made for the counting process.
This election marks the first major direct contest between the BJP and Congress since the Lok Sabha polls, and the outcome is expected to influence narratives in other states where elections are forthcoming.
Prominent parties contesting the elections include the BJP, Congress, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Indian National Lok Dal (INLD)-Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) alliance, and the Jananayak Janata Party (JJP)-Azad Samaj Party alliance.
While a direct contest is anticipated primarily between the BJP and Congress, Jammu and Kashmir also voted concurrently, witnessing multi-corner contests.
Several exit polls suggest a potential Congress victory, but Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini dismissed these predictions, asserting that the BJP would form a majority government.
Saini said the Congress would likely blame the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) once the results are announced.
On the other hand, Congress leader and former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, who is seen as the party's frontrunner for the chief ministerial position if the Congress wins, is equally confident. "What else will BJP say? They will come to know once the results are out," Hooda remarked.
The INLD-BSP alliance and JJP leader Dushyant Chautala have also expressed optimism about their chances. Meanwhile, AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal has claimed that no government in Haryana can be formed without his party's support.
The BJP has based its re-election bid on claims of good governance, transparent administration, and equitable development, while the opposition has criticised the ruling party for its handling of issues like unemployment, inflation, and law and order.
Key candidates in the fray include Chief Minister Saini (Ladwa), Leader of Opposition Hooda (Garhi Sampla-Kiloi), INLD's Abhay Chautala (Ellenabad), JJP's Dushyant Chautala (Uchana Kalan), BJP's Anil Vij (Ambala Cantt), and Congress' Vinesh Phogat (Julana).
The current assembly consists of 41 BJP members (including one from the Adampur bypoll), 28 Congress MLAs, six from JJP, one each from the Haryana Lokhit Party and INLD, and four Independents, with nine seats currently vacant due to resignations and a death.
In the 2019 elections, the BJP formed a government with support from the JJP, but the alliance soured after the BJP replaced Manohar Lal Khattar with Nayab Singh Saini as Chief Minister in March this year.
The results on October 8 will be pivotal for all parties as they look to solidify their positions ahead of upcoming elections in Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Delhi.
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