Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge Optimistic Ahead of Election Results in Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir
Bengaluru, October 2, 2023 – All India Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge expressed unwavering confidence on Monday that his party will emerge victorious in the assembly elections in Haryana and form a government in alliance with the National Conference (NC) in Jammu and Kashmir. With the results set to be announced on October 8, Kharge’s optimism reflects the party’s strategic positioning and recent polling trends.
In a press briefing, Kharge reiterated his belief that the Congress party would reclaim power in both regions. "Earlier too we had said that in Haryana and Jammu Kashmir, the Congress government will be formed. In Jammu and Kashmir, Congress and NC will form the government, and in Haryana, a Congress government will be formed," he stated, underscoring the party’s commitment to its electoral promises.
The assembly elections in Haryana took place on October 5, while Jammu and Kashmir voted in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1. Notably, these elections in Jammu and Kashmir mark a significant political milestone, occurring after a decade-long hiatus following the bifurcation of the state into two union territories in 2019. This context adds weight to the importance of the upcoming results, as both parties aim to re-establish their influence in the region.
Recent exit polls have fueled Kharge’s confidence, predicting a clear majority for the Congress in Haryana and suggesting a favorable outcome for its alliance with the National Conference in Jammu and Kashmir. The NC is projected to emerge as the single largest party, which could pave the way for a collaborative government.
Caste Census Discussion
In addition to discussing the elections, Kharge addressed questions regarding the Congress party’s stance on conducting a caste census at the national level. He acknowledged the party’s previous calls for a caste census during the parliamentary elections, emphasizing the need for comprehensive discussions with state leaders before taking further action.
When asked about the implementation of the much-anticipated Socio Economic and Education Survey report, commonly referred to as the "caste census," in Karnataka, Kharge directed inquiries to state leaders. His comments come in light of Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara’s announcement that the caste census report would be presented to the Cabinet for discussion and potential action.
The caste census has sparked controversy in Karnataka, particularly among the state’s dominant communities, the Vokkaliags and Lingayats, who have labeled the survey "unscientific." They are calling for its rejection and the initiation of a fresh survey, highlighting the complexities surrounding caste dynamics in the region.
As the Congress party gears up for the results of the assembly elections, Kharge’s confidence and the discussions surrounding the caste census reflect the party’s strategic focus on addressing regional concerns while aiming for a broader national narrative. With just days to go until the results are revealed, all eyes will be on Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir to see if Kharge’s predictions come to fruition.
