What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
NEW DELHI – The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has surged ahead in the Haryana state elections, overtaking the Indian National Congress (INC) which had initially led in the early stages of vote counting. By 10 a.m., the BJP was leading in 60 constituencies, positioning itself to form the next government in the state.
Former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, a prominent Congress leader, is leading in his constituency. However, the overall performance of the Congress has been disappointing, with the party unlikely to secure enough seats to form the government. Analysts suggest that ongoing investigations by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into Hooda’s alleged involvement in financial irregularities may have contributed to the party’s poor showing.
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In August, the ED seized assets worth ₹834 crore under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in a case involving Hooda and real estate firm EMAAR-MGF. Hooda has distanced himself from the allegations, asserting that he has no connection to the case. Despite his efforts to clear his name, the shadow of these investigations appears to have impacted voter sentiment.
The Congress had entered the election with high hopes, buoyed by the unity displayed by senior leaders Kumari Selja and Hooda, who were seen campaigning together despite earlier reports of a rift. The party also banked on the influence of wrestler Vinesh Phogat, expecting her endorsement to sway voters. However, these strategies did not yield the expected results.
As the BJP celebrates its anticipated victory, questions arise about who will take responsibility for the Congress’s defeat. The party will need to conduct a thorough introspection to understand the internal and external factors that led to this outcome. The failure to capitalize on early leads and the inability to effectively counter the BJP’s campaign strategies are likely to be key points of analysis.
