With Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir polls becoming crucial and a matter of prestige for both the major political parties — BJP and Congress — the duo soon after the Exit Poll predictions huddled for the Government formation in both the places with 90 members of Assembly each.

While Congress exuded confidence and rallied behind the exit polls saying they shall better the mark even more, BJP which is in power in Haryana for last 10 years rejected exit poll predictions. BJP, Congress, the INLD-BSP and the JJP-Azad Samaj Party alliances, and the Aam Aadmi Party are the key poll contestants. However, a direct fight between the ruling BJP and Congress was expected in most seats.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini claimed his party BJP will form the Government in the state with full majority for a third time when the results are announced on October 8. Congress will blame the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) for their defeat, he said, attacking the opposition party, which is ahead in the race, according to most exit polls.

Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda said he was expecting a comfortable majority for the Congress and cited the exit polls reports. Congress stalwarts Hooda, Kumari Selja and Randeep Singh Surjewala, who also exercised their right to vote, said their party would form the next Government.

 Post the exit poll results the political parties in Jammu and Kashmir were not enthused with the predictions and are now waiting for the ‘janta ka report card’ on October 8.

Various exit polls have predicted a hung assembly in Jammu and Kashmir, with the National Conference-Congress alliance expected to come closer to the halfway mark in the 95-member house. The Independent candidates from both regions are expected to play the crucial role of ‘Kingmakers’.

BJP J and State Unit Chief Ravinder Raina, who has contested from the Nowshera Assembly segment, claimed the BJP will emerge as the single largest political party winning close to 35 seats. Raina also clarified the party will not join hands with the Sheikh Abdul Rashid-led Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) or Independent candidates supported by the banned Jamaat-e- Islami.

Senior party leaders also took stock of the situation and briefed the central leadership.

BJP national General Secretary Tarun Chugh on Sunday said that his party will form the Government in both Haryana and  Jammu and Kashmir in the recently concluded Assembly elections, adding that BJP will get the blessings of the people.

In Srinagar, former Chief Minister and Vice President of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Omar Abdullah reacted along the expected lines. He labelled the exit poll a ‘time pass’. JKPCC Chief Tariq Hamid Karra said, “We are eagerly waiting for the actual results on October 8.

A PDP candidate from the Lal Chowk Assembly segment Zuhaib Yousuf Mir hinted that they can join the National Conference-Congress alliance to keep the BJP out of power.