Sat Oct 05 15:01:20 UTC 2024: ## Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir Exit Polls Predict Congress Surge, BJP Stumbles

**Chandigarh, October 5, 2024:** Exit polls conducted in Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir indicate a potential shift in political power, with the Congress party poised for a significant victory in Haryana and a close race in Jammu & Kashmir.

**Haryana: Congress on Track for Landslide Victory**

Multiple exit polls predict a clear victory for the Congress in Haryana, with estimates suggesting they will secure a majority of the 90 assembly seats. The BJP, currently in power, appears to be facing a significant setback, with various polls indicating a substantial drop in their seat count.

The prominent exit poll by KKB (Kya, Kaise, Baat) forecasts a landslide victory for the Congress, with 75 seats, while the BJP is expected to win only 11 seats.

Meanwhile, in key constituencies, the Congress is predicted to secure a clean sweep in Sonipat, Panipat, and Palwal.

**Jammu & Kashmir: Close Contest Between BJP and Congress-NC Alliance**

The race in Jammu & Kashmir is predicted to be closer, with the BJP and the Congress-National Conference (NC) alliance likely to engage in a tight contest. Exit polls suggest a division of power between the two blocs, with the BJP potentially winning 20-25 seats and the Congress-NC alliance securing 35-40 seats. The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is expected to win between 4-7 seats, while other parties and independent candidates could secure 12-16 seats.

**Congressional Leadership Debate in Haryana**

Following the exit polls, Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda stated that the party high command will decide on the Chief Ministerial candidate based on the wishes of the elected MLAs. Hooda acknowledged that Kumari Selja, a senior Congress leader, is in the running for the post and has the right to aspire for the position.

However, Hooda emphasized that several other candidates are also vying for the Chief Ministerial position.

**Further Developments and Final Results Await**

The final results of the Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir elections will be announced on October 10th. The exit polls provide a snapshot of the current political landscape but are subject to change as final results are tallied.

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