In Haryana, the race for control of the 90-member Assembly is heating up as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) targets a third consecutive term in the upcoming 2024 elections. After securing victories in 2014 and 2019, the BJP is aiming for a “hat-trick,” with Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini leading the charge. Saini, who took over from Manohar Lal Khattar earlier this year, is at the forefront of the campaign and will have his political fate determined along with other prominent leaders.
Congress’ Push for a Comeback
The primary challenger to the BJP is the Congress, with former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda positioning himself for a potential return to power. Hooda, a seasoned politician, is banking on anti-incumbency sentiment and a strategic campaign. The Congress has yet to announce a Chief Ministerial candidate, but Hooda, contesting from Garhi Sampla-Kiloi, remains a central figure in the party’s strategy. Additionally, Olympic wrestling star Vinesh Phogat is contesting from Julana on a Congress ticket, adding star power to their campaign. The Congress has formed alliances, notably ceding the Bhiwani seat to CPI(M), a member of the INDIA bloc, to maximize its chances.
Battle of the Regional Players
While the BJP and Congress dominate the race, regional forces like the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) and Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) could play pivotal roles in the event of a hung assembly. These smaller players hope to capture enough seats to hold the balance of power, making the final outcome unpredictable. The intense campaign activity has set the stage for a dramatic election.
Exit Poll Predictions in Haryana
Exit polls suggest the Congress has a strong lead in Haryana. According to Republic-Matrize, the Congress is projected to win between 55-62 seats, while the BJP may secure 18-24 seats. News24-Dhruv Research forecasts an even wider margin, with Congress expected to win 57-64 seats compared to BJP’s 27-32. Dainik Bhaskar’s predictions also favor Congress, projecting 44-54 seats for the party and 19-29 for the BJP.
Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections: A Historic Vote Post-Article 370
The 2024 Assembly Elections in Jammu and Kashmir mark a historic moment as the first since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. Several communities, including West Pakistan Refugees, Valmikis, and Gurkhas, have gained voting rights for the first time. The three-phase election concluded with a voter turnout of 69.65% in the final phase, highlighting the democratic engagement in this pivotal moment.
Strong Turnout in Jammu Region
Polling in the Jammu region was particularly strong, with Udhampur recording the highest turnout at 76.09%. Districts like Kathua and Samba also saw voter participation exceeding 70%, reflecting robust electoral engagement. In the Kashmir region, voter participation improved significantly, particularly in areas like Baramulla and Sopore, where separatist sentiments have historically been strong.
Exit Polls in Jammu and Kashmir
Exit polls offer early insights into the election results in Jammu and Kashmir. According to India Today-CVoter, the Congress-National Conference (NC) alliance is projected to win 40-48 seats, while the BJP is expected to secure 27-31 seats in Jammu. The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is anticipated to gain a 17% vote share in Kashmir, possibly affecting the overall outcome. However, the Congress-NC alliance remains favored to form the next government in the Union Territory.
Exit Poll Results: Early Indicators
Exit polls have provided a glimpse into potential outcomes in both Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir. In Haryana, most pollsters predict a victory for the Congress, ending BJP’s decade-long rule. Meanwhile, in Jammu and Kashmir, the Congress-NC alliance is favored to take power, but the BJP remains a strong contender in Jammu.
As the political landscape unfolds, these exit polls will shape the discourse ahead of the actual vote count scheduled for October 8, 2024. Political commentators and analysts will scrutinize trends from key constituencies, particularly those involving prominent candidates like Nayab Singh Saini, Bhupinder Singh Hooda, and Vinesh Phogat in Haryana, and the Congress-NC alliance in Jammu and Kashmir.