The Hooda government got the assembly dissolved in August, seven months ahead of the end of its term.

The Congress won nine of the state's 10 Lok Sabha seats in May - a reason for the party to seek early polls for the assembly.

Power Minister Randeep Singh Surjewala, whose earlier constituency of Narwana has been reserved this time due to de-limitation, will now contest from the neighbouring seat of Kaithal.

The Kaithal seat was earlier represented by his father and senior Congress leader Shamsher Singh Surjewala. The senior Surjewala has expressed his desire to shift to national politics.

Hooda's close aide K.V. Singh has been fielded from Dabwali seat against Ajay Singh Chautala of the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD).

Finance Minister Birender Singh (Uchana Kalan) will have a tough contest with INLD president Om Prakash Chautala pitted against him. Chautala is also contesting the Ellenabad seat in Sirsa district.

The list of Congress candidates includes names of several close to Chief Minister Hooda.