The atmosphere in Haryana is filled with optimism as exit polls suggest a significant shift in political power, with the Congress expected to claim victory in the state, known for its sporting heroes. Among the jubilant voices is Vinesh Phogat, the renowned wrestler making her political debut, who shared her excitement following the exit poll results. “It is the very change that the people of Haryana were looking for,” she declared. Phogat, who is contesting the elections on a Congress ticket, expressed confidence in the outcome after exit polls forecast a comfortable win for her party.
According to the combined predictions of eight exit polls, the Congress is projected to win 55 out of Haryana’s 90 assembly seats, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is expected to secure only 26. While exit polls have been known to be inaccurate in the past—most notably in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections where the predictions were far from the actual results—the mood within the Congress camp remains upbeat, with many hopeful that this time the exit polls will be a reflection of the final outcome.
“It is a very happy day for the people of Haryana. Everyone has taken part in making this happen by voting in large numbers. The change that Haryana was looking for has been brought about by its people. It is the result of what people suffered over the last 10 years,” said Phogat, the Olympic athlete whose disqualification in the games had once left the nation heartbroken. Her entrance into the political arena has generated considerable attention, and her words echoed the broader sentiment of dissatisfaction with the incumbent BJP government.
The Congress appears to be continuing the momentum from its success in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, with exit polls suggesting that the party is now set to overthrow the BJP in Haryana. The BJP, which has held power in the state for the past decade, has dismissed accusations of anti-incumbency and insists that it will retain control. Despite these assurances, the exit polls paint a different picture.
Throughout its campaign, the Congress has described the BJP’s decade-long rule in Haryana as a “decade of pain,” pointing to what they see as years of mismanagement and neglect. Phogat emphasized this point in her remarks, attributing the predicted electoral success to the collective grievances of the state’s people. “The people through their vote have avenged the oppression that they have suffered in the last 10 years. They had pledged that they will avenge the BJP, and today they managed to do that. I thank the Congress party. Haryana is thanking the Congress,” said the 30-year-old Phogat, who is contesting the election from the Julana constituency.
As the exit poll results spark discussions about the future leadership of the state, attention has turned to who will be named as the Congress’s chief ministerial candidate. While speculation abounds, former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, who has been a prominent figure in Haryana politics, was cautious when asked about the matter. Hooda, 77, emphasized that the decision would be made by the party’s national leadership, stating, “Deciding the next Chief Minister is a call that the high command will take.”
Despite the optimistic outlook for the Congress, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini of the BJP remains defiant, rejecting the predictions of the exit polls. Appearing confident in the face of what many interpret as a sign of his party’s decline, Saini is adamant that the BJP will secure a third term in office. “Haryana has seen the work we have done in the last ten years. We have rid Haryana of regionalism and dynastic politics. We are confident that the BJP will form the government in Haryana for the third time,” said Saini.
The BJP’s message throughout the campaign has been focused on the achievements of its government over the past decade. The party points to its efforts to unify the state and to break free from what it describes as the political dynasties that have long dominated Haryana’s political landscape. Saini’s confidence in the face of the exit polls is rooted in his belief that the BJP’s track record will ultimately sway voters in their favor.
However, the exit poll data suggests that many voters in Haryana are ready for a change. The projected outcome reflects a desire to move away from the BJP’s governance, with the Congress seen as the party most capable of addressing the state’s needs. Phogat’s candidacy has further boosted the Congress’s appeal, with her status as a beloved sports figure adding a new dimension to the party’s campaign.
Should the exit poll predictions hold true, the Congress’s victory in Haryana would mark a significant political shift in the state, ending a decade of BJP rule. For Vinesh Phogat, this moment represents more than just a political victory—it symbolizes a new chapter for the people of Haryana, a chapter driven by their own desire for change.
As Haryana waits for the official election results, the sense of anticipation is palpable. While exit polls have been wrong in the past, the people of Haryana seem ready to embrace the possibility of a Congress-led government. Whether this will come to fruition remains to be seen, but for now, the Congress and its supporters have every reason to be hopeful.
The BJP, on the other hand, will be looking to defy the odds and prove the exit polls wrong once again. As the election results draw near, both parties are preparing for the next stage of what has been a fiercely contested battle for control of Haryana’s political future.