In a surprising turn of events, the BJP has secured a historic hat-trick in the Haryana Assembly elections, leading in 49 out of 90 seats despite facing 10 years of anti-incumbency. Key factors for this victory include a counter-polarization of Jat votes, sustained loyalty from urban voters, and a united front under newly appointed Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini. The Congress, overconfident in its Jat support, suffered from infighting, diminishing its electoral strength. The BJP's strategic approach and solid voter base have allowed it to defy expectations and maintain power in Haryana.

Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) chief Farooq Abdullah announced that his son, Omar Abdullah, will be the next chief minister following the 2024 elections. As the NC-Congress alliance approaches a majority, Farooq stated, “People have given their mandate, they have proven that they don’t accept the decision that was taken on August 5.” Omar Abdullah secured victory in Budgam, defeating the PDP's Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi by over 18,000 votes. Farooq expressed gratitude to the voters, affirming it as a reflection of the people's choice in Jammu and Kashmir.

Iltija Mufti, daughter of former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, conceded defeat in Bijbehara, a stronghold of the Mufti family, during her electoral debut in the J&K Assembly elections. "I accept the verdict of the people," she posted on X, expressing gratitude to her supporters. Iltija gained prominence following her mother’s detention after Article 370’s revocation. She ran as the face of PDP, taking over from her mother, who won from the same constituency in 1996. Despite the loss, Iltija expressed gratitude for the love and support she received from Bijbehara.

Current trends in the Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir Assembly elections show the BJP ahead in Haryana, leading in 48 of the 90 seats, erasing Congress's early gains. Meanwhile, the Congress-National Conference alliance is leading in 49 of the 90 seats in Jammu & Kashmir, crossing the halfway mark. The BJP holds 23 seats, while the PDP is leading in 2. With key players like Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Omar Abdullah ahead in their constituencies, the election results could significantly impact both states’ political landscapes.

Results for the Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections will be announced today, October 8. Exit polls predict a comfortable majority for Congress in Haryana, expecting 50-58 seats in the 90-member Assembly. However, Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini remains confident that the BJP will form the government for the third time. In Jammu and Kashmir, a hung Assembly is expected, with the Congress-National Conference alliance holding the edge in the Kashmir Valley, while BJP looks strong in Jammu. Political leaders are closely watching the vote count.

An Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader was shot during a clash with Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) workers in Jalalabad, Punjab, on Saturday. The argument occurred at the block development office over a nomination dispute for the upcoming rural elections. SAD leader Vardev Singh Nonni Mann's group allegedly feared their candidate's nomination would be rejected, leading to violence. AAP supporter Mandeep Brar was shot in the chest and taken to a hospital in Ludhiana. Another person was also injured. Police are investigating the incident and filing a case against the accused.

RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat reiterated that India is a fundamentally Hindu nation, urging Hindus to take responsibility for its protection. Speaking in Baran, he said that Hindus must uphold India’s traditions, promote unity, and foster harmony with all communities. He emphasized the need for self-reliance and social progress, urging Hindus not to rely on divine intervention alone but to actively contribute to the nation's welfare. Bhagwat also called for overcoming divisions of caste and region to strengthen society and maintain national integrity.

The BJP’s vision of 'Naya Kashmir' has failed to deliver the expected electoral gains, as exit polls show a lead for the National Conference-Congress alliance in Jammu and Kashmir. Despite promises of peace, development, and jobs after the abrogation of Article 370, the BJP struggled to gain support in the Kashmir Valley. Regional parties tapped into local sentiments, and the BJP’s focus on security measures created discontent. According to the CVoter exit poll, the alliance is projected to win 40-48 seats, while the BJP is expected to secure 27-32.

The CVoter exit poll predicts a strong showing for Congress in Haryana, with the party projected to win 50-58 seats, a significant improvement from its 2019 tally of 31. The ruling BJP is expected to secure 20-28 seats, falling short of its 2019 performance. In Jammu and Kashmir, the Congress-National Conference alliance is projected to win 40-48 seats, holding an edge over BJP’s expected 27-32 seats. The Mehbooba Mufti-led PDP is forecasted to see a sharp decline, winning only 6-12 seats, down from 28 in the last election.

Vinesh Phogat, making her political debut with Congress, celebrated after exit polls predicted a clear victory for the party in Haryana. According to eight exit polls, Congress is expected to win 55 out of 90 seats, while the BJP may secure 26. Phogat, contesting from Julana, thanked voters for supporting change, calling it a "happy day" for Haryana. The BJP, however, dismissed the predictions, with Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini expressing confidence in returning to power. The final results will be announced soon, determining whether Congress can end BJP's 10-year rule.