New Delhi: Throughout the election season, the BJP held firm on its ambitious target of 400 Lok Sabha seats for the NDA, rallying behind the slogan ‘ab ki baar 400 paar’ despite the opposition’s relentless mockery. If three exit polls are accurate, the ruling party might have the last laugh.
Two polls have predicted ranges with figures just over 400 on the higher end, while News 24-Today’s Chanakya has forecasted a precise tally of 400 for the NDA. This number comes with a margin of error of 15 seats, indicating a potential range of 385 to 415 seats. India TV-CNX has projected a range of 371-401 seats, and India Today-Axis My India has estimated 361-401 seats.
However, it’s crucial to note that exit polls can often be incorrect.
In 2019, the NDA secured 352 seats, with the BJP winning 303 on its own. If Prime Minister Narendra Modi secures a third consecutive term, it would be historic, showcasing the party and alliance’s election prowess if the NDA reaches even the lower end of these predictions.
A tally of 361, the minimum figure predicted by India Today-Axis My India, would mean the alliance has improved its performance in each successive election, signaling minimal anti-incumbency and highlighting PM Narendra Modi’s enduring popularity.
The opposition INDIA Alliance, which claimed on Saturday that it will win 295 constituencies, has been projected to win 107 (plus-minus 11) by Today’s Chanakya, 109-139 by CNX, and 131-166 by Axis My India.
With 80 Lok Sabha seats, Uttar Pradesh remains a crucial battleground. In 2019, the BJP won 62 seats when the Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party were allied. Now, with the Samajwadi Party allied with the Congress, all three polls predict the BJP will improve its tally in the state. News 24-Today’s Chanakya forecasts 68 (plus-minus 7) seats, India Today-Axis My India estimates 67-72 seats, and India TV-CNX projects 70-74 seats for the BJP.
All three polls also suggest the NDA will perform better in the South compared to 2019. Another significant prediction from the exit polls is that the BJP will secure more seats than the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal, with Axis My India projecting 26-31 of the state’s 42 seats for the ruling party at the Centre.