New Delhi, October 8: The BJP is set to form its third consecutive government in Haryana, defying exit poll predictions and solidifying its stronghold in the state. The latest trends from the Election Commission show the BJP leading or winning 49 seats, well ahead of the Congress, which has secured 36 seats.
Despite anti-incumbency predictions, the BJP's pro-incumbency narrative based on a decade of governance seems to have resonated with a broad coalition of voters across caste lines.
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini expressed gratitude to the people of Haryana, crediting Prime Minister Modi's leadership for the victory. The BJP's strong performance reflects continued voter confidence in the party's policies, particularly those targeting farmers, the poor, and youth. Former Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the BJP's success is a testament to the appeal of Modi's national policies in the state.
In Jammu and Kashmir, the National Conference-Congress alliance is moving towards a majority, with the National Conference winning or leading in 42 seats. The BJP is in second place with 29 seats, while Congress has claimed six. Smaller parties, including the PDP and JK People's Conference, have secured a few seats, but the NC-Congress alliance looks poised to take control of the assembly.
While the Congress has slightly improved its vote share in Haryana compared to the previous election, the BJP has also managed to expand its base, leaving Congress trailing in the final seat tally. Congress leaders, however, continue to hope for a last-minute surge, expressing concerns about delayed updates from the Election Commission. Nonetheless, the BJP appears set to create history in Haryana with a third successive term in power.
