The Congress party is anticipated to make a significant comeback in the recently concluded elections in Haryana, as indicated by NDTV’s Poll of Polls. The survey predicts the Congress could secure between 55 to 62 seats, while the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) aims for a hat-trick in the state with an expected 20 to 32 seats. As of 5 PM, the voter turnout stands at 61%.
As per an Indian Express analysis, key electoral battles are shaping the outcome, including a significant contest in Ladwa, where Chief Minister Nayab Saini is up against sitting Congress MLA Mewa Singh. In Garhi Sampla-Kiloi, former Chief Minister Bhupinder Hooda faces off against BJP’s Manju Hooda, daughter of a retired police officer. In Uchana, Congress candidate Brijendra Singh, son of former Union Minister Birender Singh, will challenge Jannayak Janata Party chief Dushyant Chautala. Notably, wrestler-turned-politician Vinesh Phogat, who joined Congress last month, is vying for the Julana seat against AAP’s Kavita Dalal and BJP’s Yogesh Kumar.
In the previous assembly elections, most polls had predicted a decisive win for the BJP. For instance, India Today forecasted 38 seats for the BJP and 36 for Congress, while ABP-C Voter projected 72 seats for the BJP and just 8 for Congress. News 18-IPSOS estimated 75 seats for the BJP and 10 for Congress. However, the election concluded with a hung Assembly, prompting the BJP to form a government with the support of the JJP and several Independent MLAs.