Exit polls for the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, held after 10 years, predict a tight race, with the National Conference (NC) and Congress alliance having an edge. The polls suggest that this alliance could be ahead of the BJP, though the final results will be revealed on October 8.
To form a government, a party or alliance needs to win at least 46 seats in the 90-member assembly. According to TV-Today C-voter, the NC-Congress alliance could win between 40-48 seats, while the BJP may secure 27-32 seats. The People’s Democratic Party (PDP), led by former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, is predicted to win 6-12 seats, and other smaller parties and independents may win 6-11 seats.
Another exit poll by Dainik Bhaskar projects the NC-Congress alliance winning 35-40 seats, the BJP getting 20-25 seats, the PDP winning 4-7, and others securing 12-18. People Pulse estimates 46-50 seats for NC-Congress, 23-27 for the BJP, and 7-11 for the PDP. Meanwhile, Republic TV and Gulistan News predict a lower tally for NC-Congress, projecting 28-30 seats for NC, 3-6 for Congress, 5-7 for the PDP, and 8-16 for others.
Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, vice president of the National Conference, brushed aside the exit polls, calling them “just time pass.” He said, “I’m amazed channels are bothering with exit polls especially after the fiasco of the recent general elections. The only numbers that matter will be revealed on October 8.”
On the other hand, J&K BJP president Ravinder Raina remains optimistic about his party’s chances. He said, “We are confident that BJP will emerge as the single largest party when the results are out on October 8.” He also highlighted the strong campaigning efforts led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.
The elections, held in three phases, saw a voter turnout of 63.88%, with the final phase recording a high turnout of 69.69%. These were the first assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370. The counting of votes will take place on October 8.
