Predictions show a significant shift in Haryana, while Jammu and Kashmir presents a competitive landscape ahead of vote counting on October 8.
Exit polls released on Saturday suggest a potential sweep for the Congress party in Haryana, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) appears ready to capitalize on its strongholds in the Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir.
Key Highlights:
- Haryana’s Assembly Elections: Pollsters project the Congress party could secure between 55 to 62 seats in the 90-member legislative assembly, significantly above the majority mark of 46. This marks a potential comeback for the Congress after a decade in opposition, fueled by anti-incumbency sentiments against the BJP government. The BJP, having recently switched its chief minister from Manohar Lal Khattar to Nayab Singh Saini, is striving to retain its hold on power.
- Jammu and Kashmir Dynamics: In contrast, the BJP is expected to perform well in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in the Jammu region. The Congress-National Conference (NC) alliance is predicted to secure between 30 to 40 seats, but it may fall short of the 46 seats required for a majority in the 90-seat assembly.
- Voter Turnout: The assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir saw a higher voter turnout compared to the Lok Sabha elections, with an overall poll percentage of 63.45% recorded after three phases of voting. This heightened participation could play a crucial role in the final outcomes.
- Impending Vote Counting: The counting of votes from the elections will take place on October 8. Various polling organizations, including Today Chanakya, Axis My India, CSDS, C Voter, and Times Now, have contributed to the exit polls, which were also livestreamed by several news outlets.
As the political landscape continues to evolve in both regions, the coming days will be critical for the Congress and the BJP as they await the official results that could reshape their strategies moving forward.