The voting for five states concluded today with Telangana being the last state to vote on 119 seats. The exit polls are expected to provide an initial indication of the election results for the parties. In Rajasthan, the voting took place on 199 out of 200 seats. The Congress aims to break the “Rajasthan jinx” and return to power, while the BJP focused its campaign on an “anti-incumbency” wave in the state. Shivraj Singh Chouhan expressed confidence in forming the government for the fifth time in Madhya Pradesh. In Mizoram, Chief Minister Zoramthanga is confident that there won’t be a hung assembly and his Mizo National Front (MNF) will form the government again. Chhattisgarh is the state where the Congress has the highest hopes in this round of elections. In Telangana, it is a three-way fight between the ruling BRS, BJP, and Congress. Prime Minister Modi campaigned extensively in the state to establish a BJP government. However, it is important to note that exit polls may not always be accurate, as they have been proven wrong in the past.
In Rajasthan, Sachin Pilot stated, “The tradition of 30 years in Rajasthan…five years of BJP, five years of Congress…that tradition is about to be broken. People have seen BJP rule at the Centre and they want a change.” According to the Times Now-ETG exit poll, the BJP is predicted to secure 100-128 seats, giving them a significant lead over the incumbent Ashok Gehlot government. The Congress may have to settle for 56-72 seats.
The early exit poll data suggests that the BJP has an advantage in Rajasthan, with the Congress facing the challenge of overcoming the state’s anti-incumbency trend. Chhattisgarh exit polls also indicate a potential majority for the Congress, while Mizoram exit polls predict a close fight between the incumbent MNF and the ZPM.
The ABP News C-Voter survey predicts a close contest between the BJP and Congress in Chhattisgarh, with the Bhupesh Baghel government expected to return to power. In Madhya Pradesh, the Jan Ki Baat survey predicts a tight race, with Congress likely to secure 102-125 seats and the BJP 100-123 seats.
It is important to note that the exit polls are not definitive, and the final results will be determined on Sunday when the votes are counted. The outcome of these elections is seen as a semi-final before the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
