With Haryana going for voting on Saturday, all eyes are on the key battleground constituencies that could shape the future of the state’s political landscape. With the ruling BJP aiming for a historic third consecutive term, and the Congress hoping to return to power after 10 years in opposition, the elections promise to be a high-stakes affair.
The elections also see participation from regional players such as the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) and the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP), adding layers of complexity to the race. With issues like anti-incumbency, the farmers’ protests, and the Agnipath scheme at the forefront, voters are poised to decide the fate of not just political heavyweights, but also the state’s governance for the next five years. Election results will be declared on October 8.
The BJP is banking on its 10-year record of development, but it faces strong headwinds due to anti-incumbency sentiment, particularly over the handling of the farmers’ protests and the controversial Agnipath scheme. Congress, capitalising on this dissatisfaction, is positioning itself as the party of change, focusing on rural distress and unemployment. Regional players like INLD and JJP aim to leverage their influence in key constituencies, while AAP is making its presence felt by targeting urban voters. The following hot seats witnessing an intense battle as fate of several key contenders like chief minister Nayab Saini, wrester turned politician Vinesh Phogat, former Home Minister Anil Vij, Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala, his uncle Abhay Chautala and industrialists Naveen Jindal’s mother Savitry Jindal at stake.
Julana: The Julana constituency in Jind has become a notable battleground as Olympian wrestler Vinesh Phogat, representing Congress, enters the political arena. She is up against BJP’s Captain Yogesh Bairagi and AAP’s Kavita Dalal, a former WWE wrestler. This contest brings together athletic prowess and political ambition in a high-stakes fight. Ladwa: Kurukshetra’s Ladwa seat has gained prominence as Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini is contesting from here. Saini faces a stiff challenge from Congress’ Mewa Singh, the sitting MLA, and AAP’s Joga Singh. Historically, no party has won Ladwa for two consecutive terms, making this election even more unpredictable.
Uchana Kalan: Located in Jind district, this seat is pivotal for JJP leader Dushyant Chautala, former Deputy Chief Minister and scion of Haryana’s prominent Chautala family. Chautala, facing challenges within his Jat voter base, is up against Congress’ former IAS officer Brijendra Singh, BJP’s Devender Attri, and AAP’s Pawan Fauji. In 2019, Chautala secured the seat for JJP, and this election will test whether he can retain it amidst shifting voter loyalties. In the 2024 Assembly elections, Dushyant Chautala, great-grandson of former Deputy Prime Minister Devi Lal, faced Congress candidate and former IAS officer Brijendra Singh. AAP has fielded Pawan Fauji, while the BJP has nominated Devender Attri. In 2014, it was held by BJP’s Prem Lata. .
Ambala Cantt: This constituency has garnered significant attention due to the entry of independent candidate Chitra Sarwara, a former Congress leader contesting against her party’s candidate Parvinder Pal Pari. BJP’s veteran leader Anil Vij, who has held the seat since 2019, is also seeking re-election. With candidates from INLD, AAP, and JJP joining the fray, the competition is fierce. In the 2019 Assembly elections, Anil Vij secured a decisive victory in Ambala Cantt, winning with a margin of 16.7%, garnering 53.04% of the vote. He defeated independent candidate Chitra Sarwara, who received 36.48%. The upcoming election in Ambala Cantt has become particularly intriguing due to Chitra Sarwara’s presence as an independent candidate. A Congress rebel, Sarwara is the daughter of Nirmal Singh Mohra, the Congress candidate for the Ambala City seat. Sarwara was suspended from the Congress party for six years on September 23, 2024, adding further political drama to the contest.
Ellenabad: A traditional stronghold for the INLD, Ellenabad remains a key constituency with party leader Abhay Singh Chautala defending his seat. Facing BJP’s Amir Chand Talwara and AAP’s Manish Arora, Chautala is aiming for his fifth consecutive victory. Congress’ Bharat Singh Beniwal adds further heat to this contest.
Garhi Sampla-Kiloi: Former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda of the Congress is running from this Rohtak constituency, his stronghold since 2009. Hooda, a key figure in Haryana’s politics, faces BJP’s Manju Hooda and AAP’s Pravin Guskhani. Known for his Jat-centric policies, Hooda is hoping to retain his grip on the region. Hooda has won this seat in 2009, 2014, and 2019. In 2019, he defeated BJP’s Satish Nandal by over 58,000 votes.
Sirsa: Sirsa has emerged as one of the most hotly contested seats in the Haryana Assembly elections, with a direct battle between the HLP-INLD-BSP alliance candidate Gopal Kanda, representing the Vaishya community, and Congress candidate Gokul Sethia, from the Punjabi community. Gopal Kanda has been a key political player, supporting the BJP government for the last five years. Before that, he also played a crucial role in forming the Congress government. On the other hand, Gokul Sethia comes from a political lineage as the grandson of former minister Laxmandas Arora.
Gurgaon: Known as the Millennium City, Gurgaon’s seat will see a battle between BJP’s Mukesh Sharma, Congress’ Mohit Grover, and AAP’s Nishant Anand. The region, marked by rapid urbanization, has a large pool of urban voters who could swing the election in unexpected directions. Meanwhile, Mukesh Sharma and Congress’ Mohit Grover are facing a tough challenge from BJP rebel Naveen Goyal. Goyal has potential to change the game on this seat.
Hisar: A prominent constituency, this has garnered even more attention due to Savitri Jindal, India’s richest woman, entering the race as an independent candidate. Jindal’s decision to run independently follows the BJP’s refusal to grant her a ticket, opting instead to renominate the sitting MLA and state Health Minister, Kamal Gupta.