Chandigarh/Srinagar: The recent election results in Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir reveal a deeply polarized outcome. But Congress Faced Rout.
In a historic moment for Jammu and Kashmir, the region has successfully concluded its first elections after the removal of Articles 370 and 35(A).
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the election as a significant stride toward reinforcing democratic values in the Union Territory.
He expressed his appreciation for the citizens, stating, “These elections in Jammu and Kashmir have been very special. They were held for the first time after the removal of Articles 370 and 35(A) and witnessed a high turnout, thus showing the people’s belief in democracy. I compliment each and every person of Jammu and Kashmir for this.”
The high voter turnout reflected the people's confidence in the electoral process, signaling a renewed faith in the democratic framework of the region.
In Haryana, the BJP emerged as the dominant force, winning 48 out of 90 seats with 38% of the vote share, signaling strong Hindu consolidation behind the party.
HARYANA : 90
BJP : 48
INC : 37
INLD : 2
IND : 3
JAMMU & KASHMIR : 90
CONG : 6
BJP : 29
NC : 42
PDP : 3
OTH : 10
Remarkable show by BJP in Haryana and Jammu. Amazing performance by NC in Kashmir. Congress faces rout in both states.
Congress (INC) secured 37 seats, with INLD and independents trailing at 2 and 3 seats, respectively. Prominent BJP winners included Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, while former CM Bhupinder Hooda was a major winner for Congress.
In Jammu & Kashmir, the BJP retained its hold over Jammu with 29 seats and a 35% vote share, while NC (National Conference) swept the Kashmir Valley with 42 seats, boasting a 47% vote share. The PDP could only muster 3 seats, a significant drop from previous elections.
Congress, with a modest showing, took 6 seats, while others claimed 10.
Polarization Analysis:
The results indicate a clear polarization along regional and religious lines. In Haryana, the BJP secured overwhelming support from the Hindu vote bank, particularly in rural and urban areas, while the Congress showed resilience but largely failed to break through the BJP strongholds.
In Jammu, the BJP solidified its position as the champion of Hindu-majority areas, while the Muslim-majority Kashmir region swung heavily in favor of the NC.
Winners and Losers:
Winners
BJP’s Manohar Lal Khattar in Haryana
NC’s Omar Abdullah in Kashmir
BJP’s Kavinder Gupta in Jammu
Losers:
PDP’s Mehbooba Mufti, who saw a steep decline in support
Bhupinder Hooda narrowly held onto Congress dominance in parts of Haryana but saw key Congress leaders lose ground.
The results underscore the growing regional divide, with the BJP consolidating its Hindu vote base in both regions, especially in Jammu and Haryana, while Congress and other regional players, like NC in Kashmir, faced a tougher path in broader consolidation.
