Of course, the Abdullah's National Conference has once again proved that they continue to be reckoning in Jammu and Kashmir politics despite the BJP's aggressive attack on dynasty politics in the union territory.
The NC was leading in 43 seats, while it, along with its alliance partners, was way ahead in 50 seats, the ECI said on Tuesday. The NC vote share stood at 23.10 per cent and that of Congress at 11.96 per cent.
The much-awaited elections to the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly held after a gap of a decade and the first after the abrogation of Article 370 may as well see the first elected government soon.
The BJP had put up 13 candidates in the valley and 43 in Jammu. It has consolidated its position to 28 seats as per latest trends. Its vote share is the highest at 22.36 per cent, according to the Election Commission of India data. In the last election in 2014, it had won 25 seats.
Its main election plank was the return of statehood and Article 370. The NC's partner, Congress, has been vocal on the statehood demand but has so far kept pinched its lips on the Article 370 issue.
With the NC-Congress consolidating its lead, high chances of it forming the government in the UT stand forth.
Former Chief Minister and NC Vice-President Omar Abdullah earlier posted on his X handle, "Last time it didn't end well for me personally. InshaAllah this time around it will be better."
As per the ECI, he was leading from the Budgam and Ganderbal constituencies. He has lost badly in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections to Engineer Rashid.
One of the significant takeaways from these elections is that though he drew huge crowds during his poll rallies across Kashmir, Engineer Rashid failed to get the lead in any Assembly constituency. The NC had accused him of being BJP's secret supporter and had vigorously campaigned against him.
Mehbooba Mufti's PDP, which polled 28 seats in the last Assembly elections, still seems to be facing trouble holding onto its traditional bastion here in south Kashmir.
Iltija Mufti, key PDP candidate and daughter of Mehbooba Mufti, who has won in the Srigufwara-Bijbehara constituency, accepted the results. She said, "Accept the verdict of people. This Bijbehara love & affection will remain always. Thanks to my PDP workers for all the hard work during this campaign.".
While the alliance of NC-Congress is gaining some ground, there is all likelihood of it not needing support from PDP. Though the NC had earlier in the day said that it was open to a post-poll strategic alliance with the PDP to keep the BJP away, the election outcome has given the necessary strength to its alliance.
Read also| Delhi's Atishi Moves into CM Residence, Conducts First Staff Meeting
Read also| PM Modi and Maldives President Muizzu Discuss Building a 'Brighter Future' Together
