Haryana Elections 2024: BJP Gains Ground as Congress Faces Challenges

In the early hours of the Haryana Assembly election results on October 8, 2024, initial trends indicate a tight contest between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress. The BJP is leading in 45 constituencies, while the Congress holds the lead in 40, as of 10:00 AM IST. To secure a majority in the 90-member state assembly, a party needs a minimum of 46 seats.

The counting of votes, which commenced at 8 AM, is ongoing across various centers throughout the state. The Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) is currently leading in three constituencies, whereas the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP), led by Dushyant Chautala, is ahead in one. Conversely, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) appears to be facing significant setbacks in this election.

Among the key leaders in the fray, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has a lead of 732 votes from the Ladwa constituency. Notably, Vinesh Phogat, a wrestler and Congress candidate known for leading a wrestlers’ protest, is leading in the Julana Assembly constituency. Former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda is also ahead in Garhi Sampla-Kiloi against BJP’s Manju Hooda.

Dushyant Chautala, contesting from the Uchana Kalan seat in Jind district, represents the JJP’s attempt to regain influence in the state. The BJP aims for a third consecutive term, while the Congress seeks a political comeback. Other prominent parties in the election include the INLD-BSP alliance and the JJP-Azad Samaj Party alliance.

Prior to these developments, exit polls projected a resurgence for the Congress, suggesting the party might win more than 50 seats. Specific polls like Republic TV-Matrize indicated the Congress could secure 55-62 seats, against BJP’s anticipated 18-24 seats. Similarly, People Pulse proposed Congress might win 44-54 seats, while Dainik Bhaskar forecasted 44-54 seats for Congress with a BJP tally of 15-29.

Voter turnout for the single-phase election on October 5, 2024, stood at 69.9 percent, as per the Election Commission‘s report. The 2019 elections witnessed the BJP securing 40 seats, forming a coalition with the JJP, which later dissolved. In contrast, the 2024 Lok Sabha elections saw the Congress and BJP each winning five seats, a significant shift from BJP’s previous dominance.