NEW DELHI: If the exit polls turn out to be correct, the results will reinforce the BJP’s steady rise as a hegemonic force in Indian politics, cement Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popularity further, help it sustain the gains it made in the Lok Sabha elections.
As elections for the Maharashtra and Haryana state assemblies concluded on Monday evening, five exit polls predicted that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would return to power in both the states, with some predicting an outright sweep. They also suggested an abject Congress performance, with some predicting that it may witness one of its worst showings in the state assembly elections so far.
Hindustan Times has not conducted any exit polls on its own, or partnered with any agency for the purpose, and cannot independently verify the authenticity of the polls. The results of the elections will be declared on October 24.
In Maharashtra, the provisional voter turnout was 60.5%. In Haryana, the provisional turnout was 65%. Bypolls for 51 assembly constituencies, across 16 states and one Union Territory, and two Lok Sabha seats, one in Bihar and one in Maharashtra, were held on Monday as well.
(Agencies)
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