As voting commenced for Haryana’s 90-Assembly constituencies, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday called on voters to participate enthusiastically and “set a new record of voting” in the state elections. In particular, he made a special appeal to young, first-time voters to make their voices heard.

In a post on X, PM Modi emphasized the importance of voter participation, saying, “Voting is taking place today for the Haryana Assembly elections. I appeal to all voters to be part of this holy festival of democracy and set a new record of voting. Special best wishes to all the young friends voting for the first time.”

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini also reached out to voters, urging them to support the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). “I, your Nayab Singh, appeal to you to press the lotus button on October 5 and give BJP a massive victory. Your valuable vote will help maintain Haryana’s development and push it forward,” Saini posted on X.

Voting for all 90 assembly constituencies in Haryana began at 7 AM today. A total of 1,031 candidates are contesting the elections, with 20,632 polling booths set up across the state. The results of the Haryana Assembly elections will be announced on October 8, along with those of Jammu and Kashmir.

Among the prominent faces in the elections is wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who joined the Congress party on September 6, alongside Olympian Bajrang Punia. Phogat’s entry into politics comes after her disqualification from the women’s 50 kg final at the Paris Olympics.

The JJP-ASP alliance is contesting all 90 Assembly constituencies in Haryana, with the JJP fielding candidates in 70 seats and the ASP in 20.

In the 2019 Assembly elections, the BJP won 40 of the 90 seats, forming a coalition government with the JJP, which secured 10 seats. The Congress won 31 seats, though the JJP later exited the coalition.

(Inputs from ANI)