The counting of votes for assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana began on Tuesday at 8 am.
The Jammu and Kashmir assembly election for 90 constituencies was held over three phases on September 18, September 25, and October 1. The polling for the 90 seats of the Haryana Assembly ended on October 5.
Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini expressed confidence in forming the government for a third time in Haryana, saying that the BJP has worked with integrity while accusing Congress of widespread corruption.
“BJP has contributed significantly to the development of Haryana in the past ten years. Our government has worked honestly for all sections of society. We will continue to serve the people of Haryana, and I am confident that the BJP will form the government for a third time,” Saini told ANI.
Hitting out at the opposition, the Haryana CM said that while Congress seeks power, the BJP prioritizes service. “Today is the day of counting, and I am confident that our government’s achievements over the past decade will lead us to victory,” he added.
Haryana Chief Electoral Officer Pankaj Agarwal announced that 93 counting centers have been established for the 90 assembly constituencies across 22 districts. Two counting centers have been set up for the Badshahpur, Gurugram, and Pataudi constituencies, while one center each has been established for the remaining 87 constituencies.
To oversee the counting process, the Election Commission has appointed 90 counting observers.
A meeting was held to review counting preparedness with Deputy Commissioners/District Election Officers, ensuring a well-organized process on October 8. Accurate information on each round of counting will be uploaded in a timely manner, according to a release.
In Jammu and Kashmir, amid speculation about possible alliances for government formation, National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah expressed hope for a positive outcome. “Here’s wishing all my colleagues and allies the very best of luck today. We fought the good fight, and now, InshaAllah, the results will reflect that,” he said.
The Election Commission of India reported an overall voter turnout of 63.88 percent in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, with a turnout of 69.69 percent recorded in the third phase on October 1. Security has been heightened at counting centers in Jammu.
For the counting day, strong rooms will be opened in the presence of candidates, their authorized representatives, Returning Officers (ROs), Assistant Returning Officers (AROs), and ECI observers, with videography conducted. Mobile phones will not be permitted inside the counting centers. Only authorized individuals, officials, or staff will be allowed inside and around the counting centers.
Political party representatives and the public have been advised not to crowd the counting centers and to check results from home. Results will be available on the Election Commission of India’s website http://results.eic.in/ and through the Voter Helpline App.
Exit polls have predicted a Congress victory in Haryana and suggest that the National Conference-Congress alliance has an edge in Jammu and Kashmir. The results are likely to reflect political sentiments as parties prepare for upcoming electoral battles in Maharashtra and Jharkhand.