Haryana: Vote counting for the October 5 Haryana Assembly elections began at 8 am on Tuesday under heavy deployment of armed forces.
Officials mentioned that early trends would emerge shortly. Haryana’s Chief Electoral Officer, Pankaj Agarwal, said three-tier security was in place at the counting centers. Postal ballots would be counted first, followed by EVM results 30 minutes later.
Several exit polls predict a Congress win, with the state recording a 67.90% voter turnout. However, the BJP remains confident of securing a third consecutive term in power.
The key contenders are the BJP, Congress, AAP, INLD-BSP, and JJP-Azad Samaj Party. However, the main battle is between the BJP and Congress. A total of 1,031 candidates, including 464 Independents and 101 women, are competing across Haryana’s 90 constituencies.
Agarwal reported that 93 counting centers were set up across 22 districts. Some constituencies, like Badshahpur, Gurugram, and Pataudi, have two centers, while the others have one. To supervise the counting process, 90 observers were appointed by the Election Commission of India.
Director General of Haryana Police, Shatrujeet Kapur, stated that stringent security arrangements were in place. About 12,000 police officers were deployed, with CCTV surveillance from the entry gates to ensure safety.
Male and female officers were positioned for security checks, while Quick Response Teams were on standby to maintain law and order. Additionally, 30 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces were deployed across the centers, and social media was being closely monitored for any rumors.
Prominent candidates include Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini (Ladwa), Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda (Garhi Sampla-Kiloi), INLD’s Abhay Chautala (Ellenabad), JJP’s Dushyant Chautala (Uchana Kalan), BJP’s Anil Vij (Ambala Cantt), and AAP’s Anurag Dhanda (Kalayat). Notable contests include cousins Shruti and Anirudh Choudhry in Tosham and Bhavya Bishnoi, grandson of former CM Bhajan Lal, contesting from Adampur.
In 2019, the BJP formed the government with JJP’s support, but the alliance ended in March 2024 after the BJP replaced Manohar Lal Khattar with Nayab Singh Saini as chief minister.
