Haryana Exit Poll Vs Actual Results For Assembly Polls: Pollsters Miss Again As BJP Surges Ahead Of Congress

Pollsters may have predicted a Congress resurgence in the Haryana assembly elections, but early trends suggest the ruling BJP is on track to secure a third consecutive term. Despite forecasts predicting Congress would return to power with a commanding majority of 44 to 62 seats, the latest trends from the Election Commission reveal a different story.

As of 10:55 am, the BJP had crossed the majority mark in the 90-member assembly, leading in 49 seats, while Congress was ahead in 35. Pollsters had projected a Congress victory, but the BJP's performance suggests a stronger-than-expected showing, much like the misfire in predictions for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where the BJP fell to 240 seats despite poll predictions of over 350.

Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini of the BJP and Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda are both leading in their constituencies. However, INLD leader Abhay Singh Chautala and JJP's Dushyant Chautala are trailing in their respective seats, reflecting a challenging scenario for smaller parties.

In the initial stages of vote counting, the Congress appeared to be ahead, with TV channels showing them leading early in the day. However, as the count progressed, the BJP made significant gains, reversing the early trends.

Independents are leading in four constituencies, while the INLD and BSP are ahead in one seat each. The Aam Aadmi Party is yet to secure a lead in any seat. As the vote count continues, the BJP seems ready to once again defy poll predictions, consolidating its hold over Haryana and securing another term in office.