As the vote counting progresses for the 2024 assembly elections, key states like Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir are witnessing a close contest. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is eyeing a third consecutive term in Haryana, while Jammu & Kashmir is voting in its first assembly elections after 10 years, following the removal of Article 370 and its reorganization as a Union Territory. *Haryana Trends*In Haryana, the BJP is currently leading in 49 of the 90 assembly seats, while the Congress is ahead in 35 seats. Despite exit polls predicting a clear majority for the Congress, the BJP’s lead has come as a surprise. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expressed his astonishment, stating that the BJP’s performance was unexpected given the exit poll predictions. He cautioned against drawing premature conclusions and noted that the results in Haryana were better for the BJP than anticipated.*Jammu & Kashmir Trends*In Jammu & Kashmir, the Congress-National Conference (NC) alliance is leading in 50 seats, crossing the majority mark of 46 in the 90-member assembly. The BJP is ahead in 25 seats, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is leading in five. With a possible hung assembly in sight, other regional parties like the People’s Conference, Democratic Progressive Azad Party, and Apni Party could play crucial roles in government formation.This election is significant for Jammu & Kashmir, being the first since 2014 and after its reorganization as a Union Territory. It marks a turning point in the region’s political landscape post-Article 370, as voters turned out in large numbers to elect their representatives.As counting continues, political analysts and party leaders are keenly watching the final outcomes, which will determine the future political dynamics in both states.