According to the latest vote counts, India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is leading in Haryana’s state election but trails behind in Jammu and Kashmir. In Haryana, the BJP is ahead with 50 seats, while the Congress party lags with 35 seats. Conversely, in Jammu and Kashmir, the Congress-National Conference alliance has surpassed the majority mark with 51 seats, leaving the BJP with 23 seats.
The BJP’s performance in Haryana is a boost for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s party, especially after securing a reduced majority in the general election. A third consecutive win in Haryana would provide momentum for the BJP ahead of upcoming state elections.
Meanwhile, top wrestler Vinesh Phogat, a Congress candidate, won her first election in Haryana’s Juliana constituency, providing relief to the party. Exit polls had predicted a Congress majority in Haryana and a hung assembly in Jammu and Kashmir, but the results have defied these projections.
In Jammu and Kashmir, the BJP’s count was bolstered by its strong performance in the Hindu-majority Jammu region. This election marked the first assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir since 2019 when the federal government revoked the region’s autonomy.
The Indian State Elections have yielded unexpected outcomes, with the BJP overcoming anti-incumbency challenges in Haryana. In contrast, the Congress-National Conference alliance has made significant gains in Jammu and Kashmir.
Observers will closely watch the BJP’s performance as the Indian State Elections unfold. The party’s ability to secure a hat-trick win in Haryana will be crucial for its momentum.
The Indian State Elections have also highlighted the complexities of Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape, with separatist groups participating in the elections for the first time in decades.
