Chandigarh/IBNS: About 36.7% of the total voters have cast their mandate till 1 pm as the assembly elections in Haryana are underway on Saturday.

The state, which is going to be crucial for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and opponent Congress, is voting in one phase.

Voting began at 7 am in the morning and it will continue till 6 pm.

With Congress hoping to return to power after 10 years, the BJP is aiming for the third consecutive term.

The key candidates, who are contesting the polls, are Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Congress' Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Vinesh Phogat, JJP leader Dushyant Chautala.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is expected to play the role of a kingmaker in the polls.

A total of 1,031 candidates are contesting in the election.

In the last assembly elections which were held in 2019, the BJP had won 40 seats.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Saini, who exuded confidence, cast his vote and said, "The public is going to burst the balloon of lies of Congress by evening."

Former Chief Minister Bhupinder Hooda said, "Today, I have exercised my right to vote and voted for the prosperity and development of Haryana. You too, along with your family members, should exercise your right to vote and become a part of this celebration of democracy."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X, "Voting is taking place today for the Haryana Assembly elections. I appeal to all voters to be a part of this holy festival of democracy and set a new record of voting.

"On this occasion, my special best wishes to all the young friends of the state who are going to vote for the first time."