The counting of votes in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Mizoram's assembly elections is scheduled for Sunday, presenting a crucial semi-final battle ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha election.
While Mizoram's vote counting was rescheduled to December 4, a day after the other states, to honor the significance of Sunday for the state's Christian-majority populace, the other four states are geared up for the outcome. Among them, Congress holds power in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, while the BJP is in charge in Madhya Pradesh. Telangana is governed by the K Chandrasekhar Rao-led Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS).
The Congress in Telangana reported indications from KCR suggesting possible post-poll dramatic developments, a scenario raising anticipation for the state's political landscape.
Here's a rundown on exit poll predictions for the four states:
Madhya Pradesh:
The state witnesses a close fight between the BJP and the Congress, with the BJP holding a slight edge as per exit poll projections. The battle for the 230-seat assembly is significant for both parties. CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan remains confident of BJP's strong majority, contrasting Congress's Kamal Nath's dismissal of the exit poll results.
Rajasthan:
Rajasthan's historic trend of voting out the incumbent government adds suspense to the Congress's tenure. Amid the Gehlot vs. Pilot dynamic, the BJP anticipates significant gains. The smaller parties, rebels, and independents are pivotal, given the tight race projected between the BJP and the Congress.
Chhattisgarh:
Congress aims for a smooth win here amidst intense fights in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Projections indicate a favorable outcome for Congress, expecting 40-50 seats out of 90 as per the India Today-Axis My India poll.
Telangana:
Exit polls foresee a Congress sweep, hindering KCR's ambition for a third CM term. Despite Congress claiming calls from KCR, BRS asserts no need to lure Congress members. Predictions show a dominant Congress performance with 63-73 seats out of 119.
Amid the exit poll projections, these election outcomes are poised to shape the political landscape and set the stage for the final Lok Sabha battle in 2024.