Exit Poll 2024 For Haryana: Congress Set For Comeback, Predicts Matrize Exit Poll

The Matrize Exit Poll predicted a significant comeback for the Indian National Congress (INC) in the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections, projecting the party to win between 55 to 62 seats. In contrast, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is expected to secure only 18 to 24 seats, a substantial decline from its previous performance.

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), forecasting that it will secure between 18 and 24 seats. In contrast, the Congress is expected to make a notable comeback, with predictions of winning 55 to 62 seats. The Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) is expected to remain limited to around 3 to 6 seats, while the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) is likely to secure approximately 3 seats. Other parties are projected to win between 2 and 5 seats.

As of 5 PM, the voter turnout was reported at 61%, reflecting a closely contested election. The BJP, aiming for a third consecutive term in the state, is encountering stiff competition as the Congress strives to return to power after nearly a decade in opposition.

In previous assembly elections, exit polls had shown a range of predictions. India Today anticipated 38 seats for the BJP and 36 for Congress, while ABP-C Voter predicted a landslide victory for the BJP with 72 seats and only 8 for Congress. News 18-IPSOS estimated a BJP win with 75 seats and Congress claiming 10. However, the actual results led to a hung Assembly, with no party achieving a majority. The BJP ultimately formed the government with the support of the JJP and several Independent MLAs.

The BJP, aiming for a hat-trick of assembly election victories in Haryana, faces a formidable challenge as the Congress seeks to return to power after a decade in the opposition. The counting of votes for the Haryana Assembly elections will take place on October 8, coinciding with the vote counting for the Jammu & Kashmir polls.

In total, 1,031 candidates are contesting in the Haryana elections, which includes 101 women and 464 independent nominees. Besides the BJP and Congress, other key contenders include the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and alliances such as the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) with the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), and the JJP with the Azad Samaj Party.

The 2019 Haryana Assembly elections saw the BJP winning 40 of the 90 seats, while the Congress secured 31 seats and the JJP claimed 10. Following the election, the BJP formed the government with support from the JJP and several independent MLAs. However, the alliance between the JJP and BJP soured after the BJP replaced Manohar Lal Khattar with Saini as chief minister in March 2024, leading to the JJP's withdrawal of support.