Haryana is set to vote in the much-anticipated 2024 Assembly elections on October 5. In this single-phase election, the state’s 90 legislative assembly seats will be contested by 1,031 candidates. These elections follow the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, where the BJP retained five of the ten seats, while Congress secured the other five.
The political landscape in Haryana is heated, with a fierce competition between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress. The BJP, currently facing significant anti-incumbency sentiment, is working to hold onto power, while Congress aims to reclaim control of the state after years of being in the opposition.
The elections come at a crucial time, months after the collapse of the BJP-Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) coalition government, which had been formed after the 2019 Assembly elections. With political tensions high, Haryana’s voters are expected to play a key role in determining the state’s future.
Haryana Assembly Poll 2024: Voting Details and Exit Poll Predictions
The voting will be held from 7 AM to 6 PM on October 5, 2024. More than 2.03 crore voters are eligible to participate in the election, which will decide the fate of 1,031 candidates across 90 assembly seats. This year’s election is expected to see high voter turnout, as the electorate is keenly observing the political developments in the state.
After the polls close, exit poll predictions will be released by 6:30 PM, in line with the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) guidelines. Haryana’s Chief Electoral Officer, Pankaj Agrawal, stated, “Conducting, publishing, or publicizing exit polls by means of print or electronic media, or disseminating the results in any manner whatsoever, will be prohibited until 6:30 PM on October 5.”
Exit polls are conducted immediately after voters exit polling stations. These surveys provide valuable insights into voter behavior and can help predict potential election outcomes. However, it’s essential to remember that exit polls are not always accurate, and the final results may differ.
Haryana Assembly Poll 2024: Where to Watch Exit Poll Results
For those looking to follow the exit poll results live, various platforms will provide real-time coverage. Major news channels such as NDTV, India Today, Republic TV, and others will air live broadcasts featuring expert analysis of the exit poll predictions. Additionally, viewers can visit the websites of India Today, Aaj Tak, and Business Today for online updates and YouTube live streams. Social media platforms, especially X (formerly Twitter), will be buzzing with real-time discussions and updates.
Election day coverage will continue well into the evening, with most exit polls expected to be released shortly after voting ends. The polls will offer projections on how each party is expected to perform, and viewers can stay informed through various media outlets.
Haryana Assembly Poll 2024: Key Candidates to Watch
Several prominent candidates are in the running for the 2024 Haryana Assembly elections. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, representing the BJP, is contesting from Ladwa. His main opponent from Congress is Mewa Singh. In Garhi Sampla-Kiloi, former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda of Congress is expected to face off against BJP’s Manju Hooda.
The Ambala Cantt. seat will see a high-profile contest between BJP state minister Anil Vij and Congress’s Parimal Pari. Other notable figures include former wrestler Vinesh Phogat, contesting from Julana on a BJP ticket, and JJP leader Dushyant Chautala, who is running from Uchana Kalan.
These candidates are key figures in Haryana’s political scene, and their success or failure in this election will have significant implications for the state’s future governance.
Haryana Assembly Poll 2024: Political Alliances and Past Election Results
In the 2019 Haryana Assembly elections, the state witnessed a hung assembly. The BJP emerged as the largest party with 40 seats, while Congress secured 31. Dushyant Chautala’s Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) won 10 seats, becoming the kingmaker in the coalition government. Manohar Lal Khattar was sworn in as Chief Minister, with Dushyant Chautala serving as his deputy.
However, in March 2024, the BJP-JJP coalition collapsed, leading to the resignation of Khattar. On the same day, Nayab Singh Saini was sworn in as Chief Minister, but his minority government faced challenges as three independent MLAs withdrew support in May 2024. As a result, Saini’s leadership has been tested ahead of this election, where the BJP is seeking a renewed mandate.
The Congress, on the other hand, is looking to exploit the political turmoil and anti-incumbency sentiment against the BJP to reclaim power in Haryana. With its prominent leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda in the race, the party hopes to make a significant comeback.
What to Expect from the Haryana Elections 2024
As the election day approaches, Haryana remains a politically charged state, with both BJP and Congress vying for control. The outcome of this election will be crucial, as it will determine the future leadership of the state. More than 2.03 crore voters will decide the fate of 1,031 candidates, with prominent figures like Nayab Singh Saini and Bhupinder Singh Hooda leading their respective parties into this electoral battle.
With exit polls set to be released shortly after voting concludes, the political landscape of Haryana will begin to take shape, offering insights into the possible outcome of the election. However, voters and political observers will have to wait for the official results to see who emerges victorious in this critical contest.
