BJP RETAINS HARYANA, NC-CONG SWEEPS J&K

Saffron party scripts historic hat-trick victory | NC-Cong set to form govt post-abrogation of Art 370

- NEERAJ MOHAN

In a stunning political upset, the BJP) has defied exit polls and predictions to achieve a historic victory in the Haryana Assembly elections, marking its third consecutive term in power.

By getting only 0.85 % more voters than the Congress the saffron party has surged to an impressive 48 seats, up from the 40 seats it secured in 2019, thereby consolidating its political hegemony in the state.

The Congress Party, once considered a formidable adversary, fell short of expectations, securing only 37 seats. The party had hoped to reclaim power after a decade in the political wilderness but instead faced a significant setback.

The BJP garnered 39.94% of the total votes cast, while the Congress trailed closely with 39.09%. Independent candidates, including Savitri Jindal from Hisar, Devender Kadyan from Ganaur, and Rajesh Joon from Bahadurgarh, collectively captured 11.64% of the vote, complicating the electoral landscape further for traditional party structures.

Political analysts attribute the Congress's disappointing performance to a fragmented voter base, with independents and smaller parties siphoning off critical votes. Disgruntled Congress leaders, denied party nominations, contested as independents, causing significant damage in over 15 constituencies. Areas like Ambala Cantt, Ballabgarh, Bahadurgarh, Tigaon, Gohana, and Rania exemplified how defections crippled the Congress’s chances.