Haryana Assembly Elections: Key Candidates and Current Context

The Haryana assembly elections have commenced, with about 1,031 candidates, including prominent figures like Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, and wrestler-turned-politician Vinesh Phogat, contesting for 90 seats. The votes will be counted on October 8.

Political Landscape

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) aims to achieve a third consecutive victory, while the Congress party hopes to return to power after a decade in opposition. Other parties like the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the Jannayak Janata Party (JJP), and the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) are also significant players in this election. In the 2019 assembly polls, the BJP emerged as the largest party, winning 40 seats but falling short of a majority. They formed a government in alliance with the JJP and independent MLAs, with Manohar Lal Khattar as chief minister. However, the JJP has since exited the alliance.

Prominent Candidates

Nayab Singh Saini (BJP) - Ladwa Current Chief Minister Saini is contesting from the Ladwa seat in Kurukshetra. He previously won from Naraingarh in 2014 and the Kurukshetra Lok Sabha seat in 2019. Bhupinder Singh Hooda (Congress) - Garhi Sampla-Kiloi The veteran Congress leader and two-time chief minister is contesting from his traditional seat in Rohtak. He is seen as a potential CM candidate for the Congress.

Vinesh Phogat (Congress) - Julana The Olympian wrestler is contesting from the Julana seat in Jind. Phogat is known for her activism in the wrestling community and her involvement in protests against the Wrestling Federation of India. Savitri Jindal (Independent) - Hisar Former BJP leader and one of India's richest women, Jindal is contesting as an independent candidate. She has previously served as an MLA and minister.

Captain Abhimanyu (BJP) - Narnaund A former Army officer, Abhimanyu is one of the wealthiest candidates with assets worth ₹491 crore. He has a background in both military service and UPSC exams. Dushyant Chautala (JJP) - Uchana Kalan The fourth-generation politician is contesting from Uchana Kalan. Dushyant previously served as deputy chief minister and is a key figure in Haryana politics.

Anurag Dhanda (AAP) - Kalayat Dhanda, a former journalist and senior AAP leader, is contesting from Kalayat. The seat was previously won by the BJP's Kamlesh Dhanda, who is contesting again. Also read: Kautilya Conclave: PM Modi Highlights India's Economic Transformation As voting takes place across Haryana, all eyes are on the key candidates and their respective parties. The outcome of this election could significantly shape the political landscape of the state, with both the BJP and Congress eager to assert their dominance.