Indian-controlled Kashmir votes in final phase of polls to elect local government
Associated PressOCT 15 2024
India Elections: BJP Wins Haryana, NC-Congress Takes J&K
Above: A woman cast her ballot at a polling station during the Haryana Assembly election at polling station, in Nuh, Mewat, on October 5, 2024 in Gurugram, India. Image copyright: Parveen Kumar/Contributor/Hindustan Times via Getty Images
The Spin
Left narrative
While the loss in Haryana was a gut punch to Congress and its supporters, at least voters in Kashmir can celebrate the end of BJP rule. Narendra Modi lied when he said he wished to win the 'hearts' of Kashmiris, as shown by his immediate stripping of their regional identity and autonomy. For the first time since New Delhi took over, the only Muslim-majority region in India can finally speak its mind without fear of punishment.
Right narrative
The BJP's victory in Haryana is far more important than anything Congress has achieved. The opposition focused on minority groups to secure victories in Muslim-majority and Jat-majority areas, but the ruling party was able to retain its stronghold in rural constituencies. Haryana is a Hindu state, and in the face of violence from other groups, it chose to fight back at the ballot box.