Bhupinder Hooda, a former chief minister of Haryana and a key Congress leader, is leading from his stronghold, Garhi Sampla-Kiloi, by a margin of nearly 17,000 votes. This is according to the counting trends as of 10:30 am on Tuesday during the Haryana Assembly elections.
The vote counting for the Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir Assembly elections began at 8 am. Trends from 10:30 am show a tight contest in Haryana, with Congress leading in at least 34 seats and the BJP ahead in about 49 seats. The BJP, aiming for a third consecutive term, is facing a tough challenge from the Congress.
The Election Commission’s data indicates Congress leading in several constituencies, including Radaur, Ratia, Badli, Beri, Nuh, Hodal, Palwal, and Thanesar. On the other hand, BJP is ahead in constituencies like Mulana, Ladwa, Panipat City, Jind, Nalwa, Bhiwani, Ateli, Pataudi, and Faridabad as of the 9:30 am trends.
If Congress secures a victory, Bhupinder Hooda is likely to emerge as the chief ministerial candidate. Senior Congress leaders Kumari Selja and Randeep Surjewala have also shown interest in the role. Hooda welcomed the competition, saying, “It’s a good sign. In politics, ambition is necessary for progress. More contenders mean more strength for our party."
BJP's Ladwa candidate, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, is seeking re-election, confidently dismissing exit poll predictions that suggested a different outcome. He reiterated his belief that the BJP would secure a third term.
Other key electoral battles in Haryana include Julana, where Olympian wrestler Vinesh Phogat is leading; Karnal, where Manohar Lal Khattar’s aide Jagmohan Anand is ahead; and Ratia, where former BJP minister Ranjit Chautala is trailing. Additional important constituencies include Hisar, Tosham, and Badli Kaithal.
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