In a major blow to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the party is trailing behind the Congress-National Conference (NC) alliance in the ongoing vote count in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
Early results from Tuesday's elections show the Congress-NC alliance leading in 47 constituencies, while the BJP lags with 29 seats, marking a significant setback for the ruling party.
This election is seen as a critical test for Modi and the BJP, coming on the heels of the Prime Minister's third consecutive term, which he secured with the support of regional alliances. While the BJP’s performance in IIOJK falls short of expectations, the party has surprised observers by taking the lead in the northern state of Haryana, where it is currently ahead in 48 constituencies. Congress is leading in 37 seats in Haryana, despite exit polls predicting an edge for the opposition.
Speaking to the media, BJP leader Tom Vadakkan hailed the party’s performance in Haryana, attributing the lead to "hardcore performance" and the party's track record in governance. "This is a clear indication that the people of Haryana realised this is a party that has delivered and will continue to deliver," Vadakkan said on CNN-News18.
However, in IIOJK, where the BJP has traditionally struggled, the Congress-NC alliance appears poised for a comfortable majority. The alliance's success is especially significant in the Muslim-majority region, where the BJP’s decision to revoke Article 370 and the state's special autonomy in 2019 has remained a contentious issue.
The IIOJK and Haryana legislatures both have 90 members, and more than half of the votes have been counted. The BJP's decade-long hold in Haryana appears to be holding, but its performance in IIOJK reflects a more challenging political landscape for Modi’s party.
This election also serves as a significant boost for Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who has led the opposition alliance that recently denied Modi an outright majority in India's general elections. A victory in IIOJK will further strengthen Gandhi’s position within the party and the broader opposition, as Congress looks ahead to elections in the politically crucial states of Maharashtra and Jharkhand, expected in November.
The Congress-NC alliance’s lead in IIOJK signals a shift in the region's political dynamics, as Modi’s BJP faces growing challenges across multiple fronts ahead of key regional elections.
