Written By Lisa Murimi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is leading in Haryana as vote counting continues in two state elections.Â
However, the party looks set to fall short in Indian-administered Kashmir, where an opposition alliance between Congress and the National Conference (NC) is ahead.
In Haryana, a BJP victory would secure the party’s third consecutive term, defying exit polls that had predicted a Congress win.
The BJP is leading in 26 of Haryana’s 90 seats, bolstered by its strong performance in the Hindu-majority Jammu region.
Meanwhile, in Jammu and Kashmir, the Congress-NC alliance is leading in 51 seats, positioning itself to form the government in a region holding its first assembly election since its autonomy was revoked in 2019.
Despite the heavy security presence, many voters expressed doubts about how much power the elected government will have, as major decisions require approval from the federally appointed lieutenant governor.
The BJP faced challenges in Haryana from anti-incumbency sentiments, fueled by controversies over the now-repealed farm laws and the Agniveer army recruitment scheme.
Nonetheless, if the trends hold, the BJP is set to achieve a significant electoral win in Haryana, marking a hat-trick for Modi’s party.
