Jammu and Kashmir: The long-awaited results of the Jammu and Kashmir Vidhan Sabha Election are rolling in, with the Congress-led 'India' alliance currently leading in 52 seats, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is trailing with 22 seats. This election marks a significant moment in the region's political landscape as it is the first assembly election since the revocation of Article 370 nearly a decade ago. Polling took place in three phases, culminating in a tightly contested race that has drawn considerable attention from across the country.
The results were eagerly anticipated, especially following various exit polls suggesting a favorable outcome for Congress and potential setbacks for the BJP. As the counting of votes continues, reports indicate that the People's Democratic Party (PDP) has secured 14 seats, though the party's leadership is facing challenges. Notably, Iltija Mufti, daughter of PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, is trailing behind in her constituency of Bijbehra by about 3,000 votes, reflecting a tough battle for the party.
While the Congress-led alliance appears to be gaining momentum, local parties, including the National Conference led by Farooq Abdullah, are expected to play critical roles in forming a coalition government, potentially positioning themselves as kingmakers in this new political era. In parallel, the Haryana Assembly elections are also unfolding, with the BJP and Congress in a close contest.
As of the latest updates, the BJP leads in 43 seats, while Congress is close behind with 42 seats, setting the stage for an intense political showdown in the state. As the day progresses, all eyes remain on Jammu and Kashmir as the counting continues, and the implications of these results are likely to reverberate throughout the Indian political landscape. Stay tuned for further updates on this pivotal election.