Kharge Confident of Congress Victory in Haryana and J&K, Discusses Caste Census
All India Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge expressed strong confidence on Monday regarding the party’s prospects in the upcoming assembly elections in Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking to reporters, Kharge predicted that the Congress, in alliance with the National Conference (NC), would successfully form the government in Jammu and Kashmir, while a Congress-led government would emerge in Haryana.
The results for both elections will be announced on October 8, following Haryana’s single-phase polling on October 5 and Jammu and Kashmir’s three-phase voting held on September 18, 25, and October 1. This marks a significant return to elections in Jammu and Kashmir after a decade, following the state’s bifurcation into two union territories in 2019.
Several exit polls have indicated a favorable outcome for the Congress in Haryana and suggested a competitive edge for its alliance with the NC in Jammu and Kashmir, where the regional party is anticipated to be the largest in the assembly.
Addressing the ongoing discussions about a national caste census, Kharge reiterated the party’s stance, stating that the Congress had previously advocated for this initiative during the parliamentary elections. He noted that further actions would be taken after consulting with state leaders.
When asked about the implementation of the much-anticipated Socio Economic and Education Survey report—commonly referred to as the “caste census”—in Karnataka, Kharge redirected the inquiry to state leaders. Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara announced over the weekend that the caste census report would be presented to the Cabinet for discussion and future decisions.
The report was initially submitted by the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes amid some societal objections and dissent within the ruling Congress. Dominant communities in Karnataka, particularly the Vokkaligas and Lingayats, have criticized the survey as “unscientific” and have called for its rejection in favor of a new assessment.
As the elections draw near, Kharge’s assertions reflect the Congress party’s strategic positioning and its focus on addressing key issues like social justice through caste representation.
