If Exit Polls Hold True, BJP’s Maha, Haryana Wins Will be Historic

The exit polls on Monday, 21 October, predicted an emphatic return to power by the Bharatiya Janata Party and its allies in both Maharashtra and Haryana.

Victories by such margins will be historic in both states since, in Haryana, the BJP would return to power on its own and, in Maharashtra, the BJP will secure a second consecutive term on the back of a huge mandate.

Six exit polls for the Maharashtra Assembly elections predicted a clear majority for the BJP-Shiv Sena combine.

Congress in Deep Trouble

The Congress, on the other hand, appeared to be in deep trouble.

In Haryana, the Congress might be reduced to single-digits, as per the exit polls. While in Maharashtra, the Shiv Sena is likely to overtake the Congress as the primary Opposition party in the state.

Such dismal predictions point to party infighting in both states.

In Haryana, it seems the Congress will be unable to convert the anti-incumbency factor and anger against the Khattar government into votes.

Apart from the Congress, smaller parties like INLD and JJP in Haryana and MNS in Maharashtra are predicted to lose big as well.

BJP Might Cross Halfway Mark on Its Own in Maharashtra

In Maharashtra, exit polls indicated that the BJP is very close to the magic figure of 145 on its own, raising questions over what exactly the position of the Shiv Sena could be in the new government.

If the BJP improves its tally from the 122 seats it won in the 2014 Assembly polls by around a dozen seats, it will be in proximity of the majority mark in the state. This might push the Sena further into a back seat during government formation and sustenance.

Sena had won 63 seats in 2014, and though they are likely to improve their own numbers this time around, as per the exit polls, it might not be enough to improve their relative power within the alliance.

The counting of votes and the declaration of the final results will take place on 24 October.