North News
Chandigarh, October 5
Around 67 percent voter turnout was recorded in the Haryana Assembly elections on Saturday, with minor incidents of violence marring the polling process. Key political figures who cast their votes included Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, and Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker.
Reports of group clashes and stone-pelting emerged from Nuh’s Punhana constituency, where supporters of Congress candidate Mohammad Ilyas and Independent candidate Rahis Khan confronted each other, accusing each side of bogus voting.
A total of 1,027 candidates are contesting 90 seats across Haryana, with the BJP seeking a third consecutive term, while the Congress hopes for a return to power after 10 years.
Chief Minister Saini, after casting his vote, expressed confidence that the BJP would win with a historic margin. He criticized the Congress for spreading falsehoods, saying the party had misled voters with claims during the Lok Sabha elections about threats to the Constitution and reservations. “Rahul Gandhi is the face of ending reservation,” Saini remarked, adding that people recognize his statements made abroad.
Former Chief Minister Hooda was optimistic about the Congress’s prospects, calling on voters to come out in large numbers and peacefully participate in the election. “The turnout is encouraging, and Congress is on its way to forming the next government,” he told reporters.
While JJP leader Dushyant Chautala emphasized the significance of the election as a democratic exercise, saying, “This is the biggest festival of democracy. People will choose their future for the next five years.” He noted the triangular contest between the BJP, Congress, and regional powers.
