BJP HQ calm, Hooda house abuzz on eve of counting

Rohtak: Minimal activity at the BJP’s state headquarters in Sector 36A on the eve of Haryana’s assembly election results was in stark contrast with the buzz and energy of the Congress supporters at the house of former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda near D-Park.
At the local Delhi Road office of BJP’s former legislator Manish Grover, who contested for the Rohtak seat, the atmosphere was subdued and a few supporters hung around in quiet anticipation, while the Hooda house had become a focal point of both rural and urban supporters as expectations rise that the Congress will reclaim Haryana.
Even though Hooda was not at home — spending the day in strategic meetings based on the exit polls — police were guarding his house.
Many believe Hooda is poised to take the oath of chief minister once again after a 10-year hiatus. Hooda supporter Jagbir Rathee said: “We hope to win more seats than the exit polls have predicted. Hooda has the experience and vision to lead Haryana forward. We’re eager to celebrate, but have been advised to wait for the official results.”
Elsewhere in Rohtak, Congress MLA B B Batra’s home was also bustling with activity, with tea and snacks being served all day. Batra said: “People voted for change, and we worked hard to show them that the Congress was the right choice for Rohtak. Our campaign focused on positive development, while our rivals failed to offer any constructive vision.”
The media’s arrival at Hooda house heightened the excitement of his supporters and well-wishers.
An enthusiastic supporter, Rahul Dahiya, said: “Based on our own internal survey, we’re confident that the Congress will win more than 65 seats. The party will perform well in key regions such as Ahirwal, the GT Road belt, and districts such as Faridabad, Gurugram, Hisar and Sirsa.”
As anticipation builds for the election results on Oct 8, the Congress as well as the BJP are left to ponder their respective fates in this crucial political landscape.