Haryana Congress detractors skip Hooda's rally

However, some areas of the 500-acre rally ground remained empty towards the rear.

Hooda, who had become chief minister in March 2005 in his first term, had opted for early assembly elections in October 2009. There were still six months to go when he went for early polls.

The Congress returned to power in the state by roping in independent legislators as it failed to get a clear majority in the assembly.

Haryana's 90-member assembly goes to polls in October next year.