'Surprise' and catching on: Two verdicts

Haryana 2024 saw a 'surprise' BJP victory, attributed to Congress' over-reliance on Jat votes and poor non-Jat outreach. In J&K, the first polls post-Article 370 abrogation resulted in an NC-Congress win. BJP's attempt to split votes with independent candidates failed outside Jammu. These results reflect strategic missteps by losing sides and highlight the complex federal dynamics in Indian elections.