In the Haryana Assembly elections, about 67 percent of the populace exercised their voting rights on Saturday. Several exit polls have forecasted a clear majority for the Congress, which hopes to return to power after a decade. According to the Election Commission's statement, voting across 90 assembly seats from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. concluded largely peacefully despite minor skirmishes.
According to the polling panel's data available at 11:55 p.m., the voter turnout was 66.96 percent. Officials suggested that the final tally might see a slight increase. In the 2019 Haryana Assembly elections, approximately 68 percent turnout was recorded, with 64.8 percent turnout noted for the Lok Sabha elections in the state earlier this year. Haryana comprises 10 Lok Sabha seats.
Fate of 1,031 Candidates Sealed in EVMs
The BJP, Congress, INLD-BSP and JJP-Azad Samaj Party coalition, along with the Aam Aadmi Party, were principal contenders. Nonetheless, a major tussle was observed primarily between the ruling BJP and Congress. A total of 1,031 candidates threw their hats in the ring, including 101 females and 464 independents. The counting of votes will occur on October 8. According to Dainik Bhaskar's exit polls, Congress is predicted to secure 44-54 seats, while the BJP might procure 15-29 seats.
CVoter's survey estimated Congress would take 50-58 seats, with BJP obtaining 20-28 seats. Meanwhile, Republic Bharat-Matrize's survey projected 18-24 seats for BJP and 55-62 seats for Congress. Red Mike-Dataaños exit poll granted Congress 50-55 seats and BJP 20-25, whereas Dhruv Research forecasted Congress to get 50-64 and BJP 22-32 seats. Peoples Pulse exit poll allocated Congress 49-60 seats, with the BJP achieving 20-32 seats. Most exit polls indicated the INLD losing more seats compared to JJP, while observing up to 10 seats for others.
Congress Government Foreseen by Exit Polls
Addressing the exit polls' predictions to journalists, former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda expressed confidence in Congress forming the government with an absolute majority. He reiterated that the party leadership would decide on the Chief Minister based on the legislators' opinions. Outgoing Chief Minister Naib Singh Saini also voiced trust in BJP's potential for forming the government for the third consecutive time with a substantial mandate. Speaking to journalists in Kurukshetra post-voting, he highlighted BJP's efforts for all segments over the past decade.
According to Election Commission statistics available by 11:55 p.m., Fatehabad district witnessed a 74.51 percent turnout, Kaithal 72.21 percent, Mahendragarh 70.45 percent, Nuh 72.83 percent, Palwal 73.25 percent, Sirsa 73.09 percent, and Yamunanagar 73.27 percent voting. Other districts recorded as follows: Ambala at 67.57 percent, Bhiwani at 65.63 percent, Hisar at 68.99 percent, Jind at 68.98 percent, Kurukshetra at 67.11 percent, Panipat at 67.98 percent, Rewari at 62.85 percent, and Rohtak at 65.53 percent, whereas Sonipat saw a 64.52 percent turnout.
Lowest Voter Turnout at 47.29% on Badkhal Seat
Conversely, Gurugram recorded a 57.73 percent turnout, Faridabad 55.46 percent, Charkhi Dadri 58.10 percent, and Panchkula 54.71 percent. The lower turnout of 47.29 percent was observed at the Badkhal assembly seat in Faridabad district. Among the assembly constituencies, Jagadhri in Yamunanagar recorded a 78.10 percent turnout, Kaithal 75.04 percent, and Uchana Kalan saw 75.44 percent voting, where JJP's Dushyant Chautala contends for re-election. Ladwa recorded a 70 percent turnout with CM Naib Singh Saini contesting, while Garhi Sampla-Kiloi in Rohtak saw a 67.02 percent turnout, where Bhupinder Hooda seeks re-election.
