Haryana's Chief Electoral Officer, Pankaj Agarwal, during a press conference, announced that the state has requested 225 companies of central forces, with 70 already allotted, to ensure a smooth electoral process for the upcoming polls.

Congress leaders, on their part, are confident that the mobilisation of voters away from the BJP will gain more momentum in the state elections, scheduled for October 1, in the absence of national issues and the 'Modi factor'.

Primarily it will again be a contest between the BJP and the Congress this time also. However, with the AAP, the Indian National Lok Dal and the Jan Nayak Janta Party also in the fray, these parties may disturb the expected equations and equilibrium.

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar has announced the schedule for upcoming elections in Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir.

Hooda said, "We have an alliance at the national level (with the AAP) but as far as state level is concerned, no talks have been held with any party. The Congress is capable (to win) on its own. No talks have been held yet".

The AAP is buoyed by the fact that it has governments in two neighbouring states of Haryana. In Punjab, it has an overwhelming presence in the Vidhan Sabha and has been in power since 2022. In Delhi, it has been in power for over ten years now and that too with a sweeping majority.

"By taking a u-turn on every decision, the BJP has accepted both its defeat and failure. Instead of asking for votes in the upcoming assembly elections, this government should seek an apology from the public. The BJP has lost the right to remain in power," he added.

Hooda slammed the BJP, accusing them of using force during their tenure and now resorting to empty promises as their power wanes. 

"We believe that the BJP will form the government for the third time in Haryana after the assembly election," he said.

The media was not allowed to cover the proceedings of the meeting.

Senior state-level BJP leaders, office-bearers, and around 4,500 party workers from all 90 assembly constituencies are attending the meeting.

Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda, along with Haryana Congress President Chaudhary Udaibhan and MP Deepender Singh Hooda, extended a warm welcome to a host of leaders joining the Congress today.