Haryana Assembly Election: Naveen Jindal Rides Horse to Cast Vote, Symbolizing a Unique Campaign Move

In an unusual yet symbolic gesture, BJP leader and businessman Naveen Jindal arrived at his polling booth in Kurukshetra on horseback for the Haryana Assembly election on October 5, 2024. A former Congress member, Jindal switched sides earlier this year to the BJP ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, highlighting the fluid political alignments in Haryana. His public appearance on a horse attracted widespread attention, stirring discussions about traditional values and campaign theatrics. Meanwhile, Jindal's mother, Savitri Jindal, the chairperson of the O.P. Jindal Group, contested as an independent in Hisar, urging citizens to vote for progress.

The elections in Haryana, taking place in a single phase, involve over 1031 candidates competing for 90 legislative seats. The BJP, under Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, seeks to retain power for a third consecutive term. On the opposition front, Congress, led by Bhupinder Singh Hooda, eyes a comeback, banking on anti-incumbency and ongoing issues such as farmer protests.

As voters headed to the polls, other key candidates, like Dushyant Chautala of JJP, former deputy CM, and Congress's new face Vinesh Phogat, are also making their presence felt. The political atmosphere in Haryana remains tense as the counting of votes is slated for October 8. The BJP's previous coalition with JJP fell apart, making this election a decisive contest for future political power in the region.