Will the Lotus Bloom in Uttar Pradesh?
The grueling two-month-long process of the Uttar Pradesh elections has now drawn to a close. The exit poll projections for the state seem to predict a come back for the Bharatiya Janata Party.
While ABP-CSDS and India TV-CVoter predict BJP will emerge as the largest party but fall short of forming a majority, two other agencies give the ‘lotus’ a sweeping victory.
The scramble in Uttar Pradesh is for 403 seats, and the counting of votes will take place on 11 March.
Here are the key exit poll projections:
News24-Today's Chanakya
News24-Today’s Chanakya also predicts a sweeping victory for BJP with a seat share of 267-303. The Samajwadi Party-Congress alliance follows with a seat share of 73-103 and Bahujan Samaj Party is expected to get 15-39 seats.
Will SP and BSP Ally?
Speaking to BBC Hindi, incumbent Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav commented on the possibility of a post poll alliance with Bahujan Samaj Party.
I have always accorded respect to Bahaman Samaj Party’s leader [Mayawati], so it is natural for people to assume we may form an alliance if required. But it’s hard to say now. I believe the youth, women and farmers have voted for our [SP-Congress] alliance. Of course, nobody would want President’s rule in the state [if there’s a hung assembly] or that BJP runs UP with a remote control.
India Today-Axis
The India Today-Axis exit poll put BJP in a clear lead with a seat share of 251-279. The Samajwadi Party-Congress alliance comes a close second with a seat share of 88-112, the Mayawati-led Bahujan Samaj Party is expected to get 28-42 seats.
Phase 1: 73 Seats
- BJP: 50
- SP-Cong: 7
- BSP: 7
- Other: 2
Phase 2: 67 Seats
- BJP: 21
- SP-Cong: 30
- BSP: 3
- Other: 0
Phase 3: 69 Seats
- BJP: 39
- SP-Cong: 15
- BSP: 8
- Other: 0
Phase 4: 53 Seats
- BJP: 37
- SP-Cong: 5
- BSP: 0
- Other: 4
Phase 5: 52 Seats
- BJP: 26
- SP-Cong: 12
- BSP: 1
- Other: 0
Phase 6: 49 Seats
- BJP: 34
- SP-Cong: 8
- BSP: 5
- Other: 0
Phase 7: 40 Seats
- BJP: 34
- SP-Cong: 1
- BSP: 2
- Other: 1