Matrize Exit Poll predicts Congress sweeping Haryana with whopping majority
BJP set to win only 18-24 seats
New Delhi: As the polling has ended in Haryana’s 90 Assembly constituencies today, the Matrize Exit Poll has projected a challenging outcome for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), predicting it to win between 18-24 seats. The Congress is expected to make a comeback with 55-62 seats, while the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) is likely to be limited to 3-6 seats. The Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) is likely to secure around 3 seats, and other parties are expected to win between 2-5 seats.
As of 5 pm, voter turnout stood at 61%, indicating a keenly contested election. The BJP, which aims to secure a third consecutive term in the state, is facing a tough battle as the Congress seeks to regain power after being out of office for nearly a decade.
In the previous assembly elections, exit polls had projected varying outcomes. India Today had predicted 38 seats for the BJP and 36 for Congress, while ABP-C Voter projected a landslide with 72 seats for the BJP and 8 for Congress. News 18-IPSOS estimated a BJP victory with 75 seats and 10 for Congress. However, the final results led to a hung Assembly, with no party securing a majority. The BJP eventually formed the government with the support of the JJP and several Independent MLAs.
This time, with exit polls indicating a possible shift in voter preference, all eyes are on the final results to see if Congress can indeed stage a comeback or if BJP will retain its hold in the state.
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Chandrashekhar Swamiji apologises for remark on denying voting rights to Muslims
"If my statement has upset our Muslim brothers, I deeply regret it."
Bengaluru: Kumara Chandrashekharanath Swamiji, head of the Vishva Okkaliga Mahasansthana Mutt, has expressed regret over his controversial statement suggesting that "Muslims should be denied voting rights."
In a press release, Swamiji clarified, "Muslims are also citizens of this country. Like everyone else, they too have voting rights. If my statement yesterday has caused discomfort to our Muslim brothers, I sincerely apologise for it."
He further added, "Okkaligas are inherently tolerant of all religions. We have always treated people of every faith equally. Our Mutt maintains cordial relations with Muslims, and they frequently visit us. Similarly, we attend their weddings and other joyous occasions. Hence, there is no intolerance towards this community." Swamiji appealed to the public to disregard the controversy surrounding his remark.
The controversial statement was made during a farmers' rally, ‘Raita Gharjana,’ organised by the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, Karnataka Pradesh, at Freedom Park, Bengaluru, on Tuesday. Addressing the gathering, Swamiji had said, "A law should be enacted to deny voting rights to the Muslim community, and the Wakf Board should be abolished."
The remark drew widespread criticism from political leaders and the public alike. Following the backlash, Swamiji issued his apology, stating, "Muslims are also citizens of this country. Like everyone else, they too have voting rights. If my statement yesterday has caused discomfort to our Muslim brothers, I sincerely apologise for it."
