All India Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge expressed optimism on Monday about his party’s chances of forming the government in Haryana and securing a victory in Jammu and Kashmir in alliance with the National Conference (NC).
Speaking to reporters, Kharge reiterated the Congress party’s confidence in winning the assembly elections in both regions. “We have always maintained that Congress will form the government in Haryana and, in Jammu and Kashmir, the Congress-NC alliance will come to power,” he stated.
The results of both assembly elections are set to be announced on October 8. Several exit polls have predicted a strong showing for Congress in Haryana, while also giving the Congress-NC alliance an edge in Jammu and Kashmir, with the NC projected to emerge as the single largest party.
Haryana conducted its assembly polls in a single phase on October 5, while Jammu and Kashmir held elections in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1. These elections are significant for Jammu and Kashmir as they mark the first since the region’s bifurcation into two Union Territories—Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh—following the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.
Addressing the ongoing demand for a national caste census, Kharge emphasized that the Congress had raised the issue during the last parliamentary elections. “We have stated before that we will take into account the views from all states before deciding further action,” he added.
When asked about the implementation of the caste census in Karnataka, Kharge deferred the matter to state leaders. This follows Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara’s recent announcement that the government plans to present the Socio-Economic and Educational Survey report, known as the caste census, to the state cabinet for discussion.
The survey, submitted on February 29 by the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes, has faced objections from key social groups, including the Vokkaliga and Lingayat communities, who have criticized it as “unscientific” and called for a fresh survey.
As election results loom, Kharge remains confident of Congress’ electoral prospects in Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir, while discussions surrounding caste-based data continue to play a significant role in the party’s national discourse.
