Key battlegrounds and high-profile candidates

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.