Haryana Election 2024: Sports Icons Vinesh Phogat, Manu Bhaker Cast Votes; Here Is What They Said

Haryana is witnessing a crucial electoral battle today as voters head to the polls for a single-phase election across the state's 90 assembly constituencies. A total of 1,031 candidates are in the fray and more than two crore eligible voters will decide the fate of the state's political future. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is seeking a third consecutive term, while the Congress aims to stage a comeback.

One of the prominent candidates, Vinesh Phogat, representing the Congress from the Julana Assembly Constituency, cast her vote at a polling station in Charkhi Dadri. Speaking to the media, the athlete-turned-politician highlighted the significance of the day, describing it as a festival for the people of Haryana. She urged voters to actively participate, recalling the era of former Chief Minister Bhupinder Hooda when the state's sports infrastructure thrived. Phogat expressed hope for the future.

#WATCH | Congress candidate from Julana Assembly Constituency Vinesh Phogat arrives at a polling station in Charkhi Dadri to cast her vote for #HaryanaElelction

She says, "It is a huge festival for Haryana and a very big day for the people of the state. I am making an appeal to… pic.twitter.com/7LoYTR0Xvl

— ANI (@ANI) October 5, 2024

Photo Credit: ANI X

Another notable figure from the world of sports, Manu Bhaker, made her first appearance at the polling booth in Jhajjar. The 22-year-old Olympic medalist encouraged young voters to contribute to the nation's development by casting their vote. She emphasized the importance of youth participation in shaping Haryana's progress.

#WATCH | On casting her first vote, Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker says, "Being the youth of this country, it is our responsibility to cast our vote for the most favourable candidate. Small steps lead to big goals... I voted for the first time..." https://t.co/806sYLcpoe pic.twitter.com/vQ5j4m7fFB

— ANI (@ANI) October 5, 2024

Regional parties are also eyeing a significant role in the election outcome. The Jannayak Janta Party (JJP), led by Dushyant Chautala, hopes to emerge as a decisive player after breaking ties with the BJP earlier this year. Meanwhile, Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Om Prakash Chautala's Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) are also competing fiercely, aiming to influence the post-poll landscape.

This election is expected to shape Haryana's political future significantly, with results eagerly awaited.