Haryana Assembly Polls: BJP Wins Majority, Congress Narrows Vote Share Gap

Harshita Rai
GG News Bureau
Chandigarh, 9th Oct. In a tightly contested battle in the Haryana Assembly elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged as the winner, securing a simple majority with 48 seats out of 90. However, the gap in vote share between the BJP and the Congress was razor-thin, highlighting a closely fought electoral contest. The BJP garnered 39.94% of the vote share, while the Congress came close with 39.09%.

Vote Share Dynamics: Congress’s Surge vs. BJP’s Incremental Gains
Both major parties increased their vote share compared to the 2019 assembly elections, but the Congress’s gains were notably larger. The Congress saw an impressive rise of 11 percentage points, climbing from 28.08% in 2019 to 39.09% in 2024. In contrast, the BJP’s vote share rose more modestly by three percentage points, up from 36.49% in the previous state polls.

The Congress’s significant vote share growth, though not sufficient for a victory, challenges the narrative of a sweeping win for the BJP. The results indicate that while the BJP managed to convert its vote share into a legislative majority, the Congress’s grassroots support also saw a notable uptick, narrowing the gap between the two main contenders.

Electoral Results: A Third Consecutive Term for BJP, Historic for the State
The BJP’s win marks a historic achievement, as it is set to form its third straight government in Haryana. This win is particularly significant given the numerous exit polls that had predicted a Congress victory. The Congress’s eventual tally of 37 seats, though a defeat, shows a competitive presence in the state, defying the projections of a more one-sided outcome.

The regional political landscape saw mixed fortunes for other parties. The Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) improved its position slightly, winning two seats and increasing its vote share to 4.14% from 2.44% in 2019. Independent candidates managed to secure three seats, showing a continued presence in certain localities.

A Decline for JJP and AAP in a Polarized Battle
In contrast to the gains made by the BJP and Congress, the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) faced a steep decline. It suffered a drastic drop in vote share, falling from 15% in 2019 to a mere 0.90% in this election, resulting in no seats won. This marked a sharp reversal of fortunes for the JJP, which had previously played a crucial role as a kingmaker in Haryana’s coalition dynamics.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), contesting independently this time, saw only a marginal increase in its vote share from 0.48% to 1.79%. Despite being part of the INDIA bloc during the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, where it fielded a candidate in Kurukshetra, AAP struggled to make an impact in the state assembly elections.

Voter Sentiments and Regional Trends
The voter turnout and the shifts in party vote shares reflect a dynamic political landscape in Haryana, where regional issues and local sentiments have clearly played a pivotal role. NOTA (None of the Above) votes constituted 0.38% of the total vote share, a slight decrease from 0.52% in 2019, signaling a small but present share of disillusioned voters.

In the broader context of the 2024 general elections, the BJP and Congress split the Lok Sabha seats equally with five each, further showcasing the divided political leanings in Haryana. The BJP’s higher vote share of 46.11% in the parliamentary elections contrasted with its performance in the state polls, where the Congress closed in with 43.67% in the constituencies it contested.

Conclusion: A Win for the BJP, But No Clear Mandate
The assembly election results in Haryana underline a key trend: while the BJP has managed to secure another term in power, the Congress remains a significant contender with a growing vote share. This competitive edge highlights the evolving nature of voter preferences in the state, where the electorate appears to weigh both local governance performance and broader political narratives.

As the BJP prepares for its third term, the Congress’s performance suggests a robust opposition, signaling that the political landscape in Haryana remains as complex and competitive as ever. The narrow vote share gap serves as a reminder that electoral victories, especially in a politically charged state like Haryana, are rarely absolute, and the battle for hearts and minds continues well beyond the ballot box.