BJP Secures Historic Third Term in Haryana Assembly Elections

The ruling BJP achieved a third consecutive victory in Haryana, defeating the Congress's revival efforts in state elections. Despite exit polls predicting a Congress win, BJP claimed 48 seats, improving its previous tally. Key strategies included targeting Congress and consolidating non-Jat votes to overcome anti-incumbency.

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has secured a third consecutive term in Haryana's assembly elections, successfully countering anti-incumbency sentiment and thwarting the Congress's attempts at a comeback. On Tuesday, the election results revealed BJP's best-ever result with 48 seats, surpassing opposition Congress by 11 seats.

Surprising exit poll forecasts that favored Congress, BJP will once again form the government, having contested in 89 out of 90 constituencies. The party excluded Sirsa, an ally-held seat by Gopal Kanda, and although Kanda lost, BJP's strategic decisions paid off. Their campaign effectively targeted Congress, highlighted governance achievements, and consolidated significant non-Jat vote bases.

Prominent candidates from both parties emerged victorious or faced defeat, while the BJP's campaign emphasized promises such as job creation and social benefits. Prime Minister Narendra Modi attributed the win to good governance, while Congress described the outcome as unexpected, promising analysis of electoral setbacks. As votes were tallied, the BJP robustly celebrated, yet the Congress camp faced a somber shift, as hopes were dashed by the unfolding results.

(With inputs from agencies.)