BJP Set for Historic 3rd Term in Haryana; Congress-NC Alliance Wins J&K

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is on track to secure a historic third consecutive term in Haryana, despite contrary predictions from exit polls. Meanwhile, the Congress-National Conference (NC) alliance is emerging victorious in Jammu and Kashmir, with NC leader Farooq Abdullah naming his son, Omar Abdullah, as the next Chief Minister.

In Haryana’s assembly elections, where 90 seats are at stake, 46 seats are required for a majority. The Congress initially sprung ahead but has currently secured 37 seats and is leading in 8, while the BJP has claimed 48 seats.

Historically, no party has won three consecutive terms in Haryana since its formation in 1966. The Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), previously a dominant force, is ahead in two seats, while the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP), which allied with the BJP in 2019, has failed to secure any seats.

In Jammu and Kashmir, where elections were held for the first time in a decade, the Congress-NC coalition has achieved a majority with 47 seats and a lead in one seat. The BJP has managed 28 seats with a lead in one as well, while Mehbooba Mufti’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has captured three seats. A surprising win came from AAP’s Mehraj Malik in Doda.

Omar Abdullah, victorious in Budgam and Ganderbal constituencies, criticised the BJP, stating, “Those who sought to destroy us were decimated instead.” When asked about government formation, he advised waiting for the final results.

The potential for a hung assembly in Jammu and Kashmir had raised concerns among opposition parties, especially regarding the role of five Lieutenant Governor-nominated MLAs in government formation.