Haryana Assembly poll results: Nail-biter on cards, BJP gains lead, stiff fight for simple majority

Chandigarh: The Congress, which seemed to be in cruise mode in Haryana in the initial hours of counting, has lost its lead to BJP. As per the latest trends, Congress is leading in 38 seats while BJP has gained an edge in 46 seats. The results will determine the fate of 1,031 candidates in the fray. Even before counting began, Congress workers started distributing sweets in the morning, and the sudden turnaround by the BJP spread gloom in the Congress camp. At one point, Congress seemed headed for a smooth finish as it gained the lead in 43 seats. Vinesh Phogat is trailing Yogesh Kumar of the BJP by 2128 votes in Julana. These are early trends, and a clear picture would emerge only later.

The ruling BJP has expressed confidence in securing a third consecutive term, while the Congress, out of power for a decade, remains hopeful for a comeback.

This election marks the first significant direct contest between the BJP and Congress since the Lok Sabha polls, and the outcome will serve as a narrative tool for the winner in other states with upcoming elections in Maharashtra, Delhi and Jharkhand. Several exit polls predicted a Congress victory in Haryana, which recorded a voter turnout of 67.90 per cent. 

The main parties in the contest include the BJP, Congress, Aam Aadmi Party, INLD-BSP, and JJP-Azad Samaj Party. However, most constituencies are expected to witness a direct rivalry between the BJP and Congress. Agarwal announced that 93 counting centres are established across 90 assembly constituencies in 22 districts.

Two counting centres are set up for the Badshahpur, Gurugram, and Pataudi assembly seats, while each of the remaining 87 constituencies will have one counting centre. The Election Commission of India has appointed 90 counting observers to monitor the counting.

1,031 candidates, including 464 Independents and 101 women, compete in Haryana's 90 constituencies, which held voting in a single phase on October 5.

Prominent candidates include Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini (Ladwa), Leader of Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda (Garhi Sampla-Kiloi), INLD's Abhay Chautala (Ellenabad), JJP's Dushyant Chautala (Uchana Kalan), BJP's Anil Vij (Ambala Cantt), Capt Abhimanyu (Narnaund), O P Dhankar (Badli), AAP's Anurag Dhanda (Kalayat), and Congress' Vinesh Phogat (Julana). Several rebels from both Congress and BJP have also entered the fray.