Haryana Assembly Elections 2023: Voter Turnout Exceeds 66% Amid Predictions for Congress Majority

The Haryana assembly elections concluded with a voter turnout exceeding 66 per cent. Exit polls suggest a likely victory for the Congress, aiming to regain power after ten years. The Election Commission reported that voting across 90 assembly seats, from 7 am to 6 pm, was mostly peaceful, barring minor scuffles. As of 11:55 pm, the turnout stood at 66.96 per cent, expected to rise as more data comes in.

Key Contestants and Predictions

The main contenders in this election include the BJP, Congress, INLD-BSP alliance, JJP-Azad Samaj Party alliance, and Aam Aadmi Party. Most seats are witnessing a direct contest between the ruling BJP and Congress. A total of 1,031 candidates are competing, including 101 women and 464 independents. Counting of votes is scheduled for October 8.

Various exit polls have predicted different outcomes for the parties. Dainik Bhaskar forecasts Congress winning 44-54 seats and BJP securing 15-29 seats. C-Voter-India Today predicts Congress will get 50-58 seats while BJP will have 20-28 seats. Republic Bharat-Matrize suggests Congress could win 55-62 seats against BJP's 18-24.

Polling Details and Incidents

Polling data showed Fatehabad district with the highest turnout at 74.51 per cent, followed by Kaithal at 72.21 per cent and Nuh at 72.83 per cent. In contrast, Gurgaon recorded a lower turnout of 57.73 per cent, with Faridabad even lower at 55.46 per cent. Some districts experienced minor clashes; in Nuh district, a conflict between supporters of rival candidates led to injuries.

In Panipat's Nohra village, a fight at a polling booth resulted in one person being hospitalised. Minor scuffles were also reported in Hisar's Narnaund and Sirsa districts. Balraj Kundu from Haryana Jan Sevak Party accused former MLA Anand Singh Dangi of assaulting him at a polling booth.

Notable Voters and Statements

Prominent figures like Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar voted early in Karnal. Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker cast her first vote in Jhajjar district, urging young people to participate in voting. Congress leaders Hooda, Kumari Selja, and Randeep Singh Surjewala expressed confidence in forming the next government.

BJP's Kurukshetra MP Naveen Jindal arrived on horseback to vote, considering it auspicious. Rashika Gupta returned from the US to vote in Kaithal for its development. Sunil Kumar from Kurukshetra voted before his wedding to emphasise the importance of voting.

Party Leaders' Reactions

Former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda expressed confidence in Congress forming the government with a majority. He stated that the party high command would decide on the Chief Minister based on legislators' opinions. Current Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini remained optimistic about BJP forming the government for a third term.

Saini highlighted BJP's efforts over the past decade to eliminate regional bias and discrimination in Haryana. Abhay Chautala from INLD-BSP claimed their alliance would form the government as neither Congress nor BJP would secure a majority.

The state has over 2.03 crore eligible voters with 20,632 polling booths established for this election. Among these, some polling stations were managed entirely by women or differently-abled employees to ensure smooth conduct of elections across Haryana's diverse population.