Chandigarh, October 24: A fractured mandate is likely to emerge out of the Haryana assembly elections 2019, as per initial trends of the results which have come to the fore. The BJP, though emerging as the single-largest party, is apparently falling short of the majority mark. A post-poll alliance, combined with skilled realpolitik, may determine who forms the next government. Catch Live Updates of Haryana Assembly Election Results 2019.

The Dushyant Chautala-led Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) is likely to emerge as the kingmaker in case of a hung assembly. The party has maintained a lead in 8 constituencies. Chautala, while speaking to reporters, did not confirm whether he would join hands with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) or the Congress.

"Will support whoever gives us respect," Chautala said, adding that the mandate reflects the mood of change in Haryana. Jabbing the BJP, he added, "Those who talked of winning 75+ have been shown the reality."

Possibilities of Next Government Formation

'Congress+JJP' appears to be a combination to trounce the Manohar Lal Khattar-led BJP regime. The two parties are, however, yet to formally begin talks for a post-poll alliance. The Congress may tread cautiously as a similar coalition it had stitched in Karnataka last year lasted for only 14 months in power.

'BJP+JJP' cannot be ruled out as Chautala, while speaking to reporters, said his party would be aligning with any of the party "who gives them a respect". A lucrative power-sharing pact may draw the newly inducted party towards joining hands with the BJP.

'BJP+INLD+Independents' is also an option if the saffron camp is left barely short of the halfway mark. The Indian National Lok Dal, a former ally of the BJP, is ahead in 2 seats, whereas, other Independents are leading in 6 constituencies.

In the 2014 Haryana assembly elections, the INLD was decimated to 19 seats, down from 31 constituencies it held earlier. The Congress was reduced from 40 to 15 constituencies, whereas, the BJP rose from 4 to 47 assembly segments.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 24, 2019 11:55 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).