Tue Oct 08 05:51:06 UTC 2024: ## BJP Defies Polls, Wins Haryana; Congress-NC Alliance Triumphant in J&K

**Chandigarh/Srinagar:** The BJP has defied exit poll predictions and is poised to form the government in Haryana, while the Congress-National Conference alliance has secured a resounding victory in Jammu and Kashmir, according to early trends.

In Haryana, the BJP is leading in 48 out of 90 assembly seats, surpassing the majority mark of 46. The Congress, initially leading in the early hours, is now trailing with 36 seats. The BJP’s win marks a historic third consecutive term in the state, a feat achieved by no other party since 1966. The Congress, however, appears to have benefited from a shift in vote share from regional parties like the INLD and JJP.

In Jammu and Kashmir, the Congress-NC alliance is leading in 49 seats, leaving the BJP far behind with 27 seats. This victory signifies a return to power for the alliance after a decade. The alliance’s strong showing is attributed to their combined strength and their opposition to the BJP’s policies, including the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.

The elections in Jammu and Kashmir were significant as they were the first since the region was downgraded to a Union Territory and its special status revoked. This election also saw the first time in a decade that voters had the opportunity to choose their representatives.

Key figures like former Chief Minister and National Conference leader Omar Abdullah are leading in both constituencies he contested, Ganderbal and Budgam. In Haryana, Bhupinder Singh Hooda, considered a frontrunner for the Chief Minister post, has established a healthy lead in Garhi Sampla-Kiloi.

The results of these elections have significant implications for the national political landscape, especially in the context of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The BJP’s success in Haryana, despite its anti-incumbency factor, provides a boost to its national campaign. The Congress-NC alliance’s victory in Jammu and Kashmir, however, underscores the opposition’s strength and their ability to challenge the BJP’s dominance.

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