As the much-anticipated counting of votes for the 2024 Haryana Assembly elections begins today, the political atmosphere in the state is tense yet hopeful. After the recent Lok Sabha elections, the Assembly elections have further intensified the contest between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress, the two dominant players in the state. The results of these elections will determine the direction of Haryana’s political landscape for the next five years.
The counting process, scheduled to begin at 8 am, is being conducted under strict security measures. According to reports, election officials and party representatives arrived at the counting centres as early as 5 am. Polling officials have already undergone briefings and taken their designated positions at the counting tables to ensure a smooth and transparent vote-counting process. This early start is crucial for ensuring that the initial trends can be expected by midday.
What to Expect from the Results
While initial trends will provide some indication of the outcome, a clearer picture is expected by late afternoon. Final results from all constituencies should be available soon after the vote count concludes. These results will significantly impact the political dynamics in Haryana, particularly with regards to the potential shift in power between the BJP and Congress.
According to exit polls conducted by Bhaskar Reporters, the Congress is poised to make a comeback after a 10-year hiatus. The survey suggests Congress could win between 44 to 54 seats, while the BJP might struggle with only 19 to 29 seats. If these predictions hold true, it would signify a major shift in the state’s political scenario, driven largely by public dissatisfaction with the BJP’s handling of various socio-economic issues during its tenure.
The Battle for Chief Minister
Former Congress Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda is seen as the frontrunner for the top post, should his party secure a majority. However, party leaders Kumari Selja and Randeep Singh Surjewala have also indicated their interest in the role, setting the stage for a potential internal contest within Congress. On the other hand, the BJP has already confirmed that incumbent Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini will retain his position if the party manages to pull off a win, although this now seems uncertain based on exit poll predictions.
The Rise and Fall of Regional Players
Regional players like the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) and Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) appear to be losing their foothold in Haryana politics. Exit polls suggest these parties may face near extinction, possibly winning only a couple of seats, if any. This further solidifies the BJP-Congress face-off as the primary contest in these elections.
Security Measures to Ensure Transparency
Ensuring the integrity of the vote-counting process, the Election Commission has implemented a robust three-tier security cordon around Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Kurukshetra Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Jogpal confirmed that the EVMs are securely stored in four strong rooms within Kurukshetra University, with constant surveillance to prevent any tampering.
Conclusion: A New Political Era for Haryana?
The results of the 2024 Haryana Assembly elections will play a crucial role in shaping the state’s political future. Will Congress succeed in ending the BJP’s decade-long rule, or will the BJP manage to defy the exit polls and retain its power? As we await the final vote count, one thing is clear: the outcome will have significant ramifications not only for Haryana but also for the national political landscape.