Tue Oct 08 21:00:51 UTC 2024: ## National Conference Leads in Jammu and Kashmir Elections, BJP Claims Victory

**Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir** – As the counting of votes for the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections began Tuesday morning, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) expressed confidence in forming a government with a majority, potentially with the support of independent candidates. However, initial trends from the Election Commission indicate a strong lead for the National Conference (NC), while Mehbooba Mufti’s People’s Democratic Party (PDP) faces another electoral setback.

BJP state unit president Ravinder Raina, who performed a ‘yagya’ for the party’s victory, predicted the BJP would secure 30-35 seats, adding that 15 independent candidates and other like-minded groups would likely join them, securing a majority of over 50 seats.

However, the early vote count shows the NC, led by Omar Abdullah, significantly ahead of the BJP. Abdullah urged people to ignore exit polls, stating they are “a waste of time”.

Mehbooba Mufti’s daughter and PDP candidate, Iltija Mufti, conceded defeat in her Srigufwara-Bijbehara constituency, thanking her party workers for their efforts. This marks Mufti’s third electoral defeat since 2019.

Meanwhile, PDP candidate from Pulwama, Waheed Ur Rehman Para, expressed hope that the people would support their manifesto, promising to fight for the restoration of Article 370 and statehood. Supporters of the NC-Congress alliance celebrated outside a counting center in Srinagar.

The counting of votes for the 90-member assembly is being conducted under tight security. The electoral fate of 873 candidates will be revealed as the day progresses.

While the BJP remains confident, the early trends suggest a different outcome, potentially ushering in a new era for Jammu and Kashmir with the National Conference at the helm.

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