As the Haryana Assembly elections of 2024 came to a close, voter turnout surged to 63% within a few hours left to poll. The state saw better participation during the day, with over 49% by 3 PM, which indicates that voters of Haryana were quite fired up to decide the fate of state politics.
The ruling BJP and the INC view this election with utmost morale, with both parties battling for Haryana’s 90 assemblies. While the BJP, led by Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, seeks to get elected for the third successive time, Congress, under the leadership of Bhupinder Singh Hooda, aims for a robust comeback after a relatively bad performance in the last election.
The likes of Congress MP Randeep Singh Surjewala, who cast his vote in Kaithal, and wrestler-turned-politician Bajrang Punia, contesting from Jhajjar, were seen urging voters to come out and exercise their franchise. Former Haryana Chief Minister and Indian National Lok Dal leader Om Prakash Chautala also cast his vote in Sirsa on a day that seemed to threaten the political landscape.
Voter Turnout and Polling Dynamics
Continuing the trend of high voter turnout, it is reported that there was very high voter turnout in rural areas. By noon, there was strong participation in areas such as Nuh and Hisar. However, some disturbance involving a scuffle between Congress supporters and the independent candidate Raees Khan in the Nuh district temporarily stalled proceedings. Authorities were able to bring the situation under control.
In general, the polling stations in urban centers such as Gurugram and Faridabad reported moderate turnout in the initial hours, but activity increased significantly later in the day. According to election officials, this year’s election featured tighter security arrangements and improved methods to accommodate smoother polling.
The BJP now faces the unpleasant but overwhelming task of trying to persuade the voters-undoubtedly in the state of Jhajjar and Rohtak behind the wind they have generated. Meanwhile, buoyed by the legacy of Bhupinder Hooda and token Congress promises of providing more jobs and agricultural reforms, the Congress is again hoping for regained ground.
Now that the polling is done, the focus will shift to the exit polls that are expected to give an early indicator of the election results. While they have been giving an idea about the trends, political analysts have exercised cautious partiality regarding these forecasts, as the final results are expected on October 8, 2024.
The 2024 elections are seen as critical for the Khattar-led BJP government in Haryana and beyond, thus ushering in new changes nationally and regionally. In a short while, we shall see whether the BJP retains its grip or the Congress launches a major reprisal to alter the political landscape in Haryana.
