The BJP-led NDA is likely to topple the JMM-Congress government in Jharkhand, with the BJP expected to get 34 seats, CVoter predicted. The INDIA bloc, on the other hand, will get 26 seats while one seat is expected to be won by other parties.

The CVoter poll left 20 seats outside the forecast, calling them too close to call, implying that the seats are witnessing a high-voltage contest.

However, poll results predict that at least eight of the remaining 20 seats are likely to be won by the BJP, giving the saffron party an edge in forming the state government.

According to CVoter poll data, the BJP is expected to get 41.8% of the total vote share, followed by 39.3% for the INDIA bloc and 18.9% for the other contesting parties.

However, past elections have shown that exit polls are often wrong and the numbers should be taken with a grain of salt.

WHAT DO OTHER EXIT POLLS WARN FOR JHARKHAND?

Three other exit polls predicted a clean slate for the NDA in Jharkhandmarking the BJP’s return to power in the state after 2019.

An analysis of three exit polls suggests that the NDA is on course to secure 45 seats in Jharkhand, slightly exceeding half of the score of 42 seats. In comparison, the INDIA bloc is expected to win an average of 33 seats.

According to the Matrize poll results, the NDA is expected to win between 42 and 47 seats, while the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-led INDIA bloc is expected to get between 25 and 30 seats. Other parties can win between one and four seats in the tribal state.

The Times Now-JVC poll also predicts a strong performance from the NDA, projecting 40-44 seats for the alliance. The INDIA bloc is expected to win between 30 and 40 seats.

Chanakya’s exit predictions give the NDA a comfortable majority, with a forecast of 45-50 seats. The INDIA bloc, on the other hand, is expected to fail with 35 to 38 seats, while the other parties could claim three to five seats.

The BJP contested in 68 constituencies in the state, supported by its allies: the All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSU), which fielded candidates for 10 seats; the Janata Dal (United) with two seats; and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) in one seat.

On the other hand, Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s JMM was contesting 41 seats under the INDIA bloc. Its coalition partners, Congress, RJD and CPI (ML), fielded candidates in 30, 6 and 4 seats respectively.