Exit polls predict hat-trick for PM Modi

BIG MAJORITY FOR BJP-NDA WITH 350+ LS SEATS; MAY SEE SIGNIFICANT GAINS IN SOUTH

- VINAY KUMAR

After a high octane Lok Sabha election came to a close with the polling for the seventh and the final phase ending on Saturday evening, several exit polls predicted a landslide victory for the ruling BJP-led NDA combine as it could cross 350 seats and retain power at the Centre for the third time in a row.

With all eyes remaining on the exit polls, an average of the exit poll results of four pollsters indicated that the BJP-led NDA is likely to win 365 seats and the INDIA bloc around 142 seats. Other parties or independents are likely to get around 36 seats. However, it is to be pointed out that the exit poll results have often been way off the mark and inaccurate. Counting of votes will be taken up on June 4.

Exit polls have predicted hat-trick for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and gains for the NDA in Odisha, Bengal and Andhra Pradesh. Exit poll results indicate that there has hardly been any erosion in the number of seats for the BJP as compared to the 2019 Lok Sabha election results.

The saffron party has managed to come out with minor dents here and there, exit polls indicate while reaffirming the strength of "Brand Modi".