An Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader was shot during a clash with Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) workers in Jalalabad, Punjab, on Saturday. The argument occurred at the block development office over a nomination dispute for the upcoming rural elections. SAD leader Vardev Singh Nonni Mann's group allegedly feared their candidate's nomination would be rejected, leading to violence. AAP supporter Mandeep Brar was shot in the chest and taken to a hospital in Ludhiana. Another person was also injured. Police are investigating the incident and filing a case against the accused.

RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat reiterated that India is a fundamentally Hindu nation, urging Hindus to take responsibility for its protection. Speaking in Baran, he said that Hindus must uphold India’s traditions, promote unity, and foster harmony with all communities. He emphasized the need for self-reliance and social progress, urging Hindus not to rely on divine intervention alone but to actively contribute to the nation's welfare. Bhagwat also called for overcoming divisions of caste and region to strengthen society and maintain national integrity.

The BJP’s vision of 'Naya Kashmir' has failed to deliver the expected electoral gains, as exit polls show a lead for the National Conference-Congress alliance in Jammu and Kashmir. Despite promises of peace, development, and jobs after the abrogation of Article 370, the BJP struggled to gain support in the Kashmir Valley. Regional parties tapped into local sentiments, and the BJP’s focus on security measures created discontent. According to the CVoter exit poll, the alliance is projected to win 40-48 seats, while the BJP is expected to secure 27-32.

The CVoter exit poll predicts a strong showing for Congress in Haryana, with the party projected to win 50-58 seats, a significant improvement from its 2019 tally of 31. The ruling BJP is expected to secure 20-28 seats, falling short of its 2019 performance. In Jammu and Kashmir, the Congress-National Conference alliance is projected to win 40-48 seats, holding an edge over BJP’s expected 27-32 seats. The Mehbooba Mufti-led PDP is forecasted to see a sharp decline, winning only 6-12 seats, down from 28 in the last election.

Vinesh Phogat, making her political debut with Congress, celebrated after exit polls predicted a clear victory for the party in Haryana. According to eight exit polls, Congress is expected to win 55 out of 90 seats, while the BJP may secure 26. Phogat, contesting from Julana, thanked voters for supporting change, calling it a "happy day" for Haryana. The BJP, however, dismissed the predictions, with Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini expressing confidence in returning to power. The final results will be announced soon, determining whether Congress can end BJP's 10-year rule.

Exit polls suggest Congress is set to regain power in Haryana, defeating the BJP. The Congress is predicted to win a majority after a decade, benefiting from local factors like anti-incumbency and protests. In Jammu & Kashmir, the Congress-National Conference alliance may gain a slim lead, especially in the Kashmir region. However, the BJP is expected to dominate the Jammu area. These elections are crucial as J&K seeks the restoration of statehood, with results expected on October 8. Exit polls have often been inaccurate, so the final results remain uncertain.

Omar Abdullah, National Conference leader, dismissed exit polls as unreliable ahead of Jammu and Kashmir's election results. Despite predictions favoring the Congress-NC alliance, he expressed doubt due to past miscalculations. Abdullah said on social media, “The only numbers that matter will be revealed on October 8.” Meanwhile, BJP’s Ravinder Raina remains confident the BJP will emerge as the largest party. Exit polls suggest a close contest, with the Congress-NC alliance expected to perform well, but Abdullah emphasized waiting for the official results. The final outcome will be announced on October 8.

According to the India Today-CVoter exit poll, the Congress is predicted to win a majority in Haryana with 50-58 seats, while the ruling BJP may secure 20-28 seats. In Jammu and Kashmir, the Congress-National Conference alliance is expected to hold an edge with 40-48 seats. The BJP could win 27-32 seats, while the PDP may face a drop, securing only 6-12 seats. The exit poll data suggests a close fight in J&K, especially in the Jammu region, where the BJP is likely to maintain its strong presence with 27-31 seats.

A video showing a Congress worker being molested on stage during a party event in Haryana sparked outrage. The incident occurred in the presence of MP Deepender Hooda. The BJP shared the video, calling Congress the most "anti-women party" and questioning its silence. Congress MP Kumari Selja condemned the act and demanded strict action, stating the woman confirmed she was harassed. The incident took place on the day of Haryana Assembly polls, with the Congress trying to unseat the BJP. Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini promised action if a formal complaint is made.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused Congress of using drug money to win elections following the Rs 5,620-crore drug bust in Delhi. Over 560 kg of cocaine and 40 kg of hydroponic marijuana were seized from a Mahipalpur godown on October 2. Modi claimed that the Congress is pushing youth towards drug use, with the alleged mastermind, Tushar Goyal, previously serving as chairman of Congress’s RTI cell in Delhi. Congress denied the allegations, stating Goyal was removed from the party in 2022 due to anti-party activities.