Madhya Pradesh Exit Poll Results: BJP All Set for ‘Mamaji’ Chouhan’s Return; CM Thanks ‘Ladli Behnas’ – News18

It looks like it is going to be a saffron stamp on Madhya Pradesh as a majority of exit polls predicted that the BJP is ahead of the Congress in the state. But, there were some pollsters that also projected a close contest between the two parties.

This comes as heartening news for the ruling BJP, especially for chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, as many had cast doubt over his popularity in the state. ‘Mamaji’, however, said he had no doubt over the BJP’s prospects and thanked ladli behnas for the positive projections.

“I have already said there is no close fight in Madhya Pradesh… the BJP is going to win. We are winning because of the MP government’s policies and vikas. I was always full of confidence and what exit polls are saying is the people’s verdict… ladli behnon ne saare kaante nikal diye,” said Chouhan, who is the longest serving chief minister of the state.

According to the poll of polls by News18, which is an average of exit poll results published by other agencies and surveys, the BJP is projected to win around 130 seats, which is well over and above the majority mark at 116. The Congress is projected to win at least 97 seats in the 230-seat assembly.

ALSO READ | Exit poll results HERE

The BJP’s ‘Ladli Behna Yojana’ was one of the most talked-about ahead of the polls and it seems to have done the job for the saffron camp. Here are some of the exit poll results predicting a sweeping victory for the BJP:

MATRIZE

BJP: 118-130

Congress: 97-107

Others: 0-2

CVOTER

BJP: 94-114

Congress: 65-75

Others: 12-19

INDIA TODAY-AXIS MY INDIA

BJP: 140-162

Congress: 68-90

Others: 0-3

TODAY’S CHANAKYA

BJP: 151

Congress: 74

Others: 5

However, two pollsters predicted a tough fight between the two parties. Jan Ki Baat exit poll projected 102 to 125 seats for the Congress, and 100 to 123 seats for the BJP. The ETG survey also predicted the same result with 109 to 125 seats for the Congress and 105 to 117 seats for the BJP.

The voting for the 230-seat Madhya Pradesh assembly was held in a single phase on November 17. The state recorded more than 70 percent polling. The counting of votes is scheduled for December 3.

The state witnessed high-decibel campaigning, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s last-minute moorkhon ke sardar jibe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. It was a largely bipolar battle between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress. There has been much melodrama and speculation from the beginning over Chouhan’s comeback with the Congress riding high on the anti-incumbency sentiment.

Top leaders crisscrossed the state addressing rallies, holding roadshows, trading charges and making a slew of promises to seek votes. The prime minister, union home minister Amit Shah, BJP president JP Nadda, defence minister Rajnath Singh among others addressed rallies to drum up support for the saffron camp.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, party leaders Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Digvijaya Singh among others, addressed rallies to seek support for their nominees.

The PM paid nine visits to the state and addressed 14 public meetings after elections were announced. The BJP is heavily banking on his charisma to retain power.

The Congress, with 114 seats, emerged as the single largest party after the 2018 polls and formed the government with the help of BSP, SP and independent MLAs under the leadership of Nath. But the regime collapsed in March 2020 after a rebellion by now union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and Congress MLAs loyal to him, paving the way for the return of the BJP headed by Chouhan.