BJP on Path to Retain Power in Haryana: Early Election Trends

In what appears to be a decisive electoral battle, early trends from the Haryana Assembly elections on October 8, 2024, indicate that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is poised to secure its third consecutive term in the state. According to the Election Commission‘s data, as of 12:30 p.m., the BJP was leading in 48 assembly constituencies, surpassing the majority threshold of 46 seats needed to form the government.

The Indian National Congress (Congress), the BJP’s main rival, is trailing with leads in 33 constituencies. The Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) have leads in one seat each, while Independent candidates lead in four constituencies. This follows the single-phase voting held on October 5 across 90 seats, which recorded a voter turnout of 67.9%.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini expressed confidence in the BJP’s ability to continue governing, stating, “BJP has worked with honesty and for the development of Haryana in the past ten years. We are certain of forming the government again.” Saini also speculated that the Congress might blame electronic voting machines if they fail to win.

Meanwhile, Congress leader and former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda expressed optimism for a potential Congress victory. Speaking to the media, he described a surge in support for Congress, attributing it to the party’s past governance and the recent participation of Rahul Gandhi in the Bharat Jodo Yatra.

The outcome of these elections is expected to influence political strategies in states such as Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Delhi, where elections are forthcoming. Both BJP and Congress were keenly observing the results, hoping for a favorable outcome to strengthen their respective positions across India.

Security at the counting centers has been tightened, with Haryana’s Chief Electoral Officer Pankaj Agarwal mentioning a three-layered security setup. This measure underscores the high stakes and heightened tensions surrounding these elections. As trends continue to develop, the BJP appears to be confident about retaining its position, while the Congress remains hopeful for an electoral turnaround.