Srinagar: Following the exit polls that forecast a close contest in Jammu and Kashmir, Communist Party of India (Marxist) candidate from Kulgam Assembly constituency, Muhammad Yousuf Tarigami, asserted that the public seeks the establishment of a non-BJP, secular government in the union territory.

Speaking to the media, Tarigami stated, "The public of Jammu and Kashmir wants a non-BJP government to be formed in the union territory. They want to elect a government that will raise their voices. The public has given their mandate, and the results will be announced on October 8 as expected."

While acknowledging the validity of exit polls, Tarigami emphasized his belief that the mood among the electorate leans toward a secular government that fulfills its promises. He remarked, "It is my opinion that non-BJP secular parties need to have the upper hand and win."

On another note, Tarigami praised External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's upcoming visit to Pakistan for the SCO summit, advocating for both countries to engage in dialogue to resolve their tensions.

In related developments, People's Democratic Party (PDP) candidate from Lal Chowk, Zuhaib Yousuf Mir, hinted at the possibility of joining forces with the National Conference-Congress alliance to prevent the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from gaining power. Mir stated, "As far as we are concerned, exit polls are not a serious activity but a time-pass. The PDP is confident it will play a vital role in forming a secular government in J-K. We are prepared to take any step to preserve the identity of Kashmir, but it is essential to create a secular government against the BJP."

Mir further warned that any secular government formed with the PDP's support may not last long, suggesting that the BJP would attempt to exert influence over it, similar to its approach in Delhi.

Former Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Kavinder Gupta responded to the exit polls by indicating ongoing talks with "like-minded" parties. He asserted, "It is only in the exit polls that Congress-NC has got these seats, but the BJP will emerge as the biggest party once the correct results are out. We are confident of getting more than 35 seats in Jammu province and the remaining from Kashmir. BJP will be in a better position in Kashmir."

BJP General Secretary and J-K in charge, Tarun Chugh, also expressed confidence, stating, "These are exit polls. The results will be better than this. The BJP will form a government with a full majority in both Haryana and J&K. The people's blessings are with BJP, and a double-engine government will be formed."

In contrast, National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah dismissed the exit poll predictions, expressing skepticism on X (formerly Twitter). He stated, "I'm amazed channels are bothering with exit polls, especially after the fiasco of the recent general elections. I'm ignoring all the noise on channels, social media, WhatsApp, etc., because the only numbers that matter will be revealed on the 8th of October. The rest is just time pass."

The Election Commission of India reported an overall voter turnout of 63.88 percent in the Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. The counting of votes is scheduled for October 8. The Supreme Court had directed the Centre to conduct Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir by September 30, 2024.

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