Exit polls suggest Congress is set to regain power in Haryana, defeating the BJP. The Congress is predicted to win a majority after a decade, benefiting from local factors like anti-incumbency and protests. In Jammu & Kashmir, the Congress-National Conference alliance may gain a slim lead, especially in the Kashmir region. However, the BJP is expected to dominate the Jammu area. These elections are crucial as J&K seeks the restoration of statehood, with results expected on October 8. Exit polls have often been inaccurate, so the final results remain uncertain.

Omar Abdullah, National Conference leader, dismissed exit polls as unreliable ahead of Jammu and Kashmir's election results. Despite predictions favoring the Congress-NC alliance, he expressed doubt due to past miscalculations. Abdullah said on social media, “The only numbers that matter will be revealed on October 8.” Meanwhile, BJP’s Ravinder Raina remains confident the BJP will emerge as the largest party. Exit polls suggest a close contest, with the Congress-NC alliance expected to perform well, but Abdullah emphasized waiting for the official results. The final outcome will be announced on October 8.

According to the India Today-CVoter exit poll, the Congress is predicted to win a majority in Haryana with 50-58 seats, while the ruling BJP may secure 20-28 seats. In Jammu and Kashmir, the Congress-National Conference alliance is expected to hold an edge with 40-48 seats. The BJP could win 27-32 seats, while the PDP may face a drop, securing only 6-12 seats. The exit poll data suggests a close fight in J&K, especially in the Jammu region, where the BJP is likely to maintain its strong presence with 27-31 seats.

A video showing a Congress worker being molested on stage during a party event in Haryana sparked outrage. The incident occurred in the presence of MP Deepender Hooda. The BJP shared the video, calling Congress the most "anti-women party" and questioning its silence. Congress MP Kumari Selja condemned the act and demanded strict action, stating the woman confirmed she was harassed. The incident took place on the day of Haryana Assembly polls, with the Congress trying to unseat the BJP. Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini promised action if a formal complaint is made.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused Congress of using drug money to win elections following the Rs 5,620-crore drug bust in Delhi. Over 560 kg of cocaine and 40 kg of hydroponic marijuana were seized from a Mahipalpur godown on October 2. Modi claimed that the Congress is pushing youth towards drug use, with the alleged mastermind, Tushar Goyal, previously serving as chairman of Congress’s RTI cell in Delhi. Congress denied the allegations, stating Goyal was removed from the party in 2022 due to anti-party activities.

Congress candidate Vinesh Phogat, representing Julana constituency, called on voters to support the party championing women's rights during the Haryana assembly elections. After voting in Charkhi Dadri, the Olympic wrestler described the elections as a festive occasion and emphasized the importance of casting ballots. “Vote for the party that works for the rights of women; you know which party I’m speaking of,” Phogat stated, recalling past BJP actions affecting farmers. With 1,031 candidates competing for 90 seats, the election results will be announced on October 8, 2024.

Haryana votes today to elect representatives for its 90 assembly seats, with over 1,000 candidates, including key figures like Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and Congress's Bhupinder Hooda, vying for seats. The BJP aims for a third consecutive victory, while the Congress hopes for a comeback after a decade. Notably, 30,000 police personnel and 225 paramilitary companies have been deployed to ensure peaceful elections. Key contestants include AAP, JJP, BSP, and INLD, with votes to be counted on October 8. Voter turnout in the previous election was 68%.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge accused the Modi government of sending 15,000 Indian workers to Israel during the ongoing conflict. He said the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) is behind the recruitment process. Kharge raised concerns about young Indians risking their lives due to joblessness in India. He compared it to earlier incidents where Indian youth were misled into going to the Russia-Ukraine war. Kharge criticized the government's job policies and warned that Haryana voters, facing unemployment, would hold the ruling party accountable in the upcoming elections.

Prashant Kishor, the political strategist turned activist, launched his political party, Jan Suraaj Party, in Patna. Addressing the crowd, Kishor emphasized the need for Bihar’s voice to reach Delhi and other states where Biharis face discrimination. He urged people to unite for a better political alternative, criticizing Bihar's current leadership. Kishor targeted Nitish Kumar, questioning his physical and mental fitness to lead. He also claimed that the BJP's support for Kumar is a political compulsion, warning that it may suffer the same fate as the Congress in Bihar.

The Congress party in Haryana has raised objections over rumors that Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, convicted of rape, might be granted parole ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. The Congress wrote to the Election Commission, calling it a violation of the Model Code of Conduct. Ram Rahim, who has received multiple paroles before elections in the past, is reportedly seeking release for his father’s death anniversary. The Congress fears his parole could influence the election outcome. The final decision on the parole rests with Haryana’s Chief Minister. Voting in the state is scheduled for Saturday.