Congress daydreaming in Haryana, says BJP

CHANDIGARH: Exit poll predictions apart, BJP and Congress leaders in Haryana have expressed confidence in securing a majority in the 90-member assembly, while JJP’s Dushyant Chautala predicts his party will be the king-maker winning at least 20 seats.

Though exit polls projected a three-fourths majority for the BJP, the AXIS-India Today survey predicted a hung assembly, prompting Bhupinder Singh Hooda to say his party would secure a majority.

However, BJP state president Subhash Barala said, “Congress is day-dreaming. Let them name the seats they expect to win. BJP will win by over two-thirds majority.”


Barala had a meeting with chief minister Manohar Lal in Chandigarh on Wednesday and took stock mari Selja said her party will cross the majority mark by winning at least 46 seats.

Congress legislative party leader and Tosham candidate Kiran Chaudhary added a rider though: “We will secure a majority if EVMs work properly.” Dushyant Chautala said government formation would require JJP’s help.

“We hold the key to power,” Chautala said, alluding to the party symbol.

There is speculation in political circles that Congress and JJP may try to join hands to keep BJP out of power. INLD’s Abhay Chautala, meanwhile, predicted a split assembly.

Chief minister Manohar Lal seemed least perturbed by speculation and held discussions with officials. “There is no worry in our ranks. We are getting ready for a swearing-in function for Manohar Lal after Diwali,” a state BJP leader told ET in Chandigarh. As per BJP assessment, its victory margins could be low in seats like Tohana, Kaithal, Dadri, Badli, Jagadhiri, Ballabhgarh and Sirsa.