Modi wave amplifies: Exit polls predict BJP sweep in Maharashtra and Haryana

New Delhi: With Haryana creating history by recording its highest-ever voter turnout of 76 per cent, and with over 64 per cent of the electorate casting their ballots in Maharashtra, most exit polls predicted that the BJP would emerge as the largest party in both states, but stop short of an absolute majority.

One exit poll, that conducted by ‘Today’s Chanakya’, however, predicted a clear majority for the BJP in both Maharashtra and Haryana.

In Maharashtra, an estimated 64 per cent of the 83.5 million electorate cast their ballots in bitterly-fought elections that pollsters predicted will throw up a hung Assembly, with the BJP emerging as the single-largest party but falling short of a majority in the 288-member House.

Read: Assembly elections: High turnout in Haryana, Maharashtra records 64 per cent

However, in Mumbai city, the polling percentage was only 54 per cent, while it was marginally higher in the suburbs, at 56 per cent.

The polls, considered the first major test of PM Narendra Modi’s popularity after the Lok Sabha election, passed off peacefully. The Congress and NCP, which were ruling Maharashtra for 15 years before they split just ahead of the elections, were projected to lose heavily while the Shiv Sena was predicted to emerge as the second largest party in the state.

Maharashtra, where Mr Modi campaigned extensively, addressing at least 27 rallies, appears to be heading for a BJP government for the first time in history.

If the projections come true, the BJP may be forming the government in Haryana also for the first time.