New Delhi, India - On October 9, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) achieved a record third term in the northern state of Haryana and its best performance ever in Indian-administered Kashmir, marking a significant political turnaround. This development follows the BJP's loss of its parliamentary majority four months prior, highlighting the party's resilience in Indian electoral politics.
The assembly election results represent a major setback for the opposition Congress party, which had hoped to capitalize on discontent with the BJP government. Despite predictions of a Congress victory in Haryana due to public dissatisfaction, the BJP secured 48 seats in the 90-member assembly, an increase from 40 seats in the previous election. The Congress managed to secure 36 seats, up from 31, but their internal divisions hampered their campaign effectiveness.
In Kashmir, the regional National Conference (NC) emerged as the largest party, winning 42 seats, while the Congress won six seats, its lowest tally in the region. The BJP, however, maintained a stronghold in Jammu, winning 29 seats. The results reflect a deepening divide in the electorate between Hindu-majority Jammu and Muslim-majority Kashmir, affecting the political landscape in the region.
The Congress party has alleged manipulation of electronic voting machines (EVMs) and has refused to accept the results in Haryana, a move unprecedented in Indian politics. This controversy is expected to resonate in the upcoming state elections in Delhi, Maharashtra, Bihar, and Jharkhand, where the BJP's recent victories may bolster its confidence.
Political analysts suggest that these election outcomes reinforce Modi's position and further complicate the Congress party's efforts to challenge the BJP's dominance in Indian politics. The implications of these results are likely to influence future electoral strategies and coalition dynamics across the country.