BJP Set for Historic Hat-Trick in Haryana; Congress Vows to Fight Back - Read Now
As the counting of votes progresses in Haryana, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) appears poised to secure a third consecutive term in office. The contest has become increasingly intriguing, especially as the Congress party aims to reclaim power after a decade in opposition. This election marks a significant battle between the two national parties and may set the stage for future assembly elections in states like Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Delhi.
Voter turnout for the Haryana assembly elections reached 67.90%, and while exit polls initially suggested a potential Congress victory, the BJP remains confident. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini dismissed the exit polls, asserting that his party would emerge victorious, stating, "On October 8, we will form the government, and the Congress will again blame the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs)." Meanwhile, Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda expressed optimism about achieving a comfortable majority for his party.
The Haryana elections have turned into a tightly contested affair between the BJP and Congress, though other parties like the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), and Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) have also made their presence felt. Regional leaders, including JJP’s Dushyant Chautala and INLD’s Abhay Chautala, have suggested that they could play pivotal roles in forming a government if the elections yield a hung assembly. AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal has also claimed that no government can be formed without his party’s support.
The political landscape has seen high-profile contests across various constituencies, with intense rivalries playing out. Notable candidates include CM Saini, Leader of Opposition Hooda, and JJP leader Dushyant Chautala. The state has witnessed fierce battles, including a notable contest in Tosham between cousins Shruti Choudhry (BJP) and Anirudh Choudhary (Congress).
The BJP has campaigned on a platform highlighting good governance, merit-based employment opportunities, and welfare schemes for farmers. In contrast, the Congress has criticized the incumbent government over issues such as unemployment, rising inflation, and farmer distress. The election results will serve as a crucial test of the BJP’s governance model, especially following the leadership change earlier this year, when Saini succeeded Manohar Lal Khattar as chief minister.
In Jammu and Kashmir, the counting marks a historic moment as the union territory prepares to elect its first government since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. This election was held over three phases, with a total voter turnout of 63.45%, slightly lower than the 65.52% recorded in 2014.
According to exit polls, the Congress-National Conference alliance is expected to win a majority, while the BJP is anticipated to improve on its previous tally. The People's Democratic Party (PDP), which had significant success in the last elections, is projected to face a considerable decline this time.
As counting continues in both Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir, political leaders, party workers, and citizens are closely watching the results that could shape the future of governance in these states. Will the BJP continue its winning streak in Haryana, or will Congress pull off a stunning comeback? In Jammu & Kashmir, will the Congress-NC alliance take control, or will the BJP surprise everyone? Stay tuned for the latest updates and insights on this pivotal election day.
