Ready, Set For Count: Haryana, Jammu And Kashmir Election Verdict Today

New Delhi: The results of the highly anticipated Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir Assembly elections are set to be declared today. The counting of votes will begin in a few hours from now, sharply at 8 am, amidst a tense political landscape with anticipation in both states.

In Haryana , the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party ( BJP ) under CM Nayab Singh Saini is looking to retain power for the third consecutive time, while the opposition Congress and the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) are hoping to upset BJP’s applecart. The state has witnessed a high-pitched campaign, with top leaders from both parties crisscrossing the state to woo voters.

In Jammu & Kashmir, the political scenario is even more complex. The state has been under President's Rule since June 2018, and this election is seen as a crucial step towards restoring democratic governance. The BJP is looking to make inroads in the state, while the Congress and the National Conference (NC) are fighting jointly to retain their stronghold.

As the counting of votes will begin, early trends are expected to emerge soon. The Election Commission has set up counting centres across both states, and the results are expected to be declared by the evening.

Electoral Agendas Of Political Parties

The ruling BJP focused on development agenda, nationalism, and Hindutva. The Congress highlighted unemployment, farmer distress, and social justice, while the JJP emphasized regional issues, farmers' concerns, and youth employment.

The Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir assembly elections were fought around the key issues including development, unemployment, nationalism, border security, regional identity, farmers’ concerns and caste politics.

Exit Poll Predictions

Ahead of the counting of the votes, the Exit Polls predicted surprising outcomes in the election result. In Haryana , the Exit Polls gave an edge to the Congress against the BJP , which hints at the anti-incumbency factor working in the state. On the other hand, in Jammu & Kashmir, the pollsters predicted a hung assembly, where the BJP and the National Conference are likely to emerge as the largest party.

However, it has been predicted that the INDI Alliance may form a government in the Union Territory, with the NC being at the centre stage and the Congress extending support.

The Election Commission has said that the final results will be declared by the evening, and the political parties are preparing for the outcome. The BJP has expressed confidence that it will retain power in Haryana and make gains in Jammu & Kashmir, while the opposition parties are hoping for a surprise verdict.

Stakes For BJP Appears To Be High

The results of these elections will have significant implications for the political landscape in both states. In Haryana , a win for the BJP will cement its position as a dominant force in the state, while a loss will raise questions about its popularity. In Jammu & Kashmir, a win for the BJP will be seen as a major victory for its nationalist agenda, while a loss will be a setback for the party.

As the tension builds up, the political leaders keep their fingers crossed, hoping the verdict will go in their favour. The next few hours will be crucial in determining the course of political history in both states.

Haryana Witnessed High-Octane Campaigns

The campaign in Haryana saw some high-octane moments, with top leaders like Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi addressing rallies across the state. The BJP has been banking on its development agenda and the popularity of PM Modi, while the Congress has been trying to corner the government over issues like unemployment and farmer distress.

Cautious Campaign In Jammu & Kashmir

In Jammu & Kashmir, the campaign was marked by a sense of caution, given the sensitive security situation in the state. The BJP has been focusing on its nationalist agenda and the abrogation of Article 370, while the NC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have been trying to protect their turf by highlighting their role in the state's development.

Key Political Parties Contesting in 90-Member Haryana Assembly Elections 2024:

• Bharatiya Janata Party ( BJP ) led by CM Nayab Singh Saini.
• Congress led by former CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda.
• Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) led by Dushyant Chautala.
• Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) led by Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal .
• Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) led by Abhay Singh Chautala.
• Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) led by Mayawati .
• Haryana Lokhit Party (HLP) led by Gopal Kanda.

Key Constituencies And Candidates To Watch:

• Ladwa Seat - Nayab Singh Saini ( BJP )
• Garhi Sampla-Kiloi Seat - Bhupinder Singh Hooda ( Congress )
• Julana Seat - Vinesh Phogat ( Congress )
• Ambala Cantt Seat - Anil Vij ( BJP )
• Gurugram Seat - Gaurav Bhatia ( BJP )
• Uchana Kalan Seat - Dushyant Chautala (JJP)
• Ellenabad Seat - Abhay Singh Chautala (INLD)
• Tosham Seat - Shruti Choudhry ( BJP )
• Hisar Seat - Savitri Jindal (Independent)
• Narnaund Seat - Captain Abhimanyu ( BJP )

Key Political Parties Contesting in 90-Member Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections 2024:

• Bharatiya Janata Party led by PM Narendra Modi
• Congress led by Rahul Gandhi
• National Conference (NC) led by Farooq Abdullah.
• Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Mehbooba Mufti.
• Peoples Conference (PC) led by Sajad Lone.
• Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP) led by Altaf Bukhari.
• Jammu and Kashmir Panthers Party (JKPP) led by Harsh Dev Singh.

Along with them, a few other parties including CPI (M), BSP and AAP are also in the fray.

Key Constituencies And Candidates To Watch:

• Ganderbal - Omar Abdullah (NC) and Sarjan Ahmad Wagay (Independent)
• Budgam - Omar Abdullah (NC)
• Bijbehara - Iltija Mufti (PDP)
• Sopore - Aijaz Ahmad Guroo (Independent)
• Channapora - Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari (JKAP)
• Baramulla - Muzaffar Hussain Baig (Independent)
• Kupwara - Sajad Lone (People's Conference)
• Handwara - Sajad Lone (People's Conference), Chaudhary Mohammad Ramzan (NC)
• Nagrota - Devendra Singh Rana ( BJP )
• Chhamb - Tara Chand (INC)
• Nowshera - Ravinder Raina ( BJP )