The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has once again proven its political might, securing a third consecutive term in Haryana and achieving its best-ever performance in Jammu & Kashmir’s Assembly elections. Both states presented distinct challenges, yet the BJP’s resilience and strategic positioning led to remarkable outcomes.
Haryana: A Dominant Return
Defying predictions of a significant defeat due to growing dissatisfaction among farmers and youth, the BJP returned to power with its highest-ever vote share and seat tally. The re-election of Nayab Singh Saini as Chief Minister is seen as a testament to the party’s success in securing broad-based support, especially after its less impressive performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Despite challenges, including the loss of eight ministers and the Assembly Speaker, the BJP’s overall performance in Haryana exceeded expectations. The party won 48 seats with nearly 40% of the vote share, surpassing its previous records in both 2014 and 2019. A counter-Jat consolidation worked in the BJP’s favor, helping the party win even in agrarian-dominated constituencies. This victory highlights the party’s ability to repair its social coalition and resonate with upper castes, Punjabis, Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and Scheduled Castes (SCs).
The BJP’s success was especially significant given its losses in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, where it won only five out of 10 seats. The Assembly elections indicate that the BJP managed to rebuild its base in a relatively short span, aligning itself with urban voters and addressing the concerns of the state’s SC population. Moving forward, the party’s new government in Haryana faces the challenge of fulfilling ambitious promises, including providing jobs, a monthly allowance for women, and a minimum support price (MSP) on 24 crops.
Jammu & Kashmir: A Historic Election
In Jammu & Kashmir, the Assembly elections were held after a decade and for the first time since the reading down of Article 370. While the National Conference, led by Omar Abdullah, emerged as the single-largest party, the BJP achieved its best-ever performance in terms of seats won and vote share. Omar Abdullah is set to become Chief Minister, with his party forming a coalition with Congress and the CPI(M), surpassing the majority mark.
Omar Abdullah’s victory speech signaled a desire to mend relations with the Centre, emphasizing that Jammu & Kashmir would benefit from cooperation rather than antagonism. He also expressed hope that Prime Minister Modi would fulfill his promise of restoring the region’s statehood.
Despite not emerging as the largest party, the BJP’s performance in Jammu & Kashmir represents a major milestone. The elections were a test of the party’s standing in a region still adjusting to the changes post-Article 370. The BJP’s success showcases its growing influence in the region and its ability to make electoral inroads even in challenging political landscapes.
Congress: Facing Setbacks and Internal Struggles
For the Congress, the Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir elections were yet another blow. The party, already reeling from losses in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh, was unable to counter the BJP’s momentum. In Haryana, internal conflicts and a lack of cohesive leadership contributed to the party’s defeat, despite a spirited campaign led by Bhupinder Singh Hooda. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge expressed disappointment over the results, and Sirsa MP Kumari Selja called for accountability within the party.
The Congress’ failure to form a pre-election alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) also contributed to its downfall. Arvind Kejriwal pointed to the Congress’ overconfidence as a reason for its losses. This election cycle underscores the Congress’ struggles in direct contests with the BJP, a challenge the party must address as it prepares for future elections.
BJP’s National Impact
Prime Minister Modi’s speech after the Haryana win set the tone for the party’s upcoming electoral battles in Maharashtra and Jharkhand. Modi described the Congress as a “parasitic party” and praised the people of Jammu & Kashmir for their faith in the Constitution. The BJP’s consistent victories in state elections reflect the party’s strategic strength and the broad appeal of its developmental promises, especially to key demographics like farmers, women, the poor, and youth.
Looking ahead, the BJP is expected to capitalize on its electoral success in Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir to build momentum for future contests. The party’s ability to navigate complex voter dynamics, address local grievances, and deliver on its promises will be crucial in maintaining its political dominance in the coming years.
Conclusion
The 2024 Assembly elections in Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir have further cemented the BJP’s position as a dominant force in Indian politics. With Nayab Singh Saini continuing in Haryana and Omar Abdullah returning as Chief Minister in Jammu & Kashmir, both states are set for significant political developments. The BJP’s victories, despite numerous challenges, underscore its political acumen and strategic foresight, while the Congress faces another critical juncture in its quest for revival.