Sat Oct 05 08:47:03 UTC 2024: ## Haryana Votes: BJP Seeks Third Win, Congress Aims for Comeback

**Haryana went to the polls on October 21, with the ruling BJP aiming for a third consecutive victory while the Congress seeks a comeback after a decade out of power.**

The election pits incumbent Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and his BJP against the Congress, led by former CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda, as well as other contenders like the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), Jannayak Janta Party (JJP), and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

**Key Highlights:**

* **High-stakes election:** The state’s 90 Assembly seats are up for grabs, with over 1000 candidates vying for victory.
* **BJP banking on development:** The BJP emphasizes its developmental record over the last decade, highlighting infrastructure projects and economic growth.
* **Congress focuses on promises:** The Congress promises a host of benefits including a legal guarantee for MSP, a caste survey, and a monthly allowance for women.
* **Other parties:** The INLD and JJP are hoping to capitalize on regional sentiment, while the AAP is making its first major foray into Haryana.
* **Security measures:** Security is tight across the state with over 3,460 polling booths deemed sensitive.
* **Key players:** The race includes CM Manohar Lal Khattar, former CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda, INLD’s Abhay Singh Chautala, JJP’s Dushyant Chautala, BJP’s Anil Vij, and Congress’s Vinesh Phogat.

**Statements from Leaders:**

* **BJP:** CM Khattar declared the BJP will secure a third term, highlighting the party’s work for farmers, women, and youth. Amit Shah called for a vote to keep Haryana free from “corruption and deal-makers.”
* **Congress:** Randip Surjewala expressed confidence in Congress winning 70 seats, targeting the BJP for corruption and mishandling of farmers’ issues.
* **INLD:** Om Prakash Chautala claimed that the INLD will form the government, predicting a comfortable win for his son Aditya in Dabwali.
* **JJP:** Dushyant Chautala expressed confidence in securing a significant number of seats for his party and the Azad Samaj Party alliance.

The fate of the political parties and the identity of the next Chief Minister will be decided when the votes are counted on October 8th. The outcome will reflect the public’s perception of the incumbent government’s performance and the appeal of the Congress’s promises.

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