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The BJP is set to retain power in Gujarat for the sixth term and win Himachal Pradesh with a big majority, most exit polls have forecast. The BJP is expected to win Gujarat comfortably, winning at least 99 of the 182 seats in the State Assembly.
A couple of exit polls have forecast that the party may indeed increase its seat share from the current 115 to as much as 120-128 seats. An aggregate of various exit polls estimates a 116-seat win for the BJP in Gujarat. A party needs to win 92 seats for a simple majority.
The Congress tally of seats may not see a jump despite the spirited campaign by its president-elect Rahul Gandhi. Its tally is expected to rise from the current 61 seats (63 seats with allies) to a maximum of 75. An aggregate of exit polls estimates the Congress tally at 65.
Exit polls also show that the BJP has managed to retain its vote share despite voter unhappiness with the implementation of the GST and poor prices for agriculture produce. The party is estimated to have got about 47-49 per cent of the votes, while the Congress got 38-42 per cent.
In Himachal Pradesh, there is almost no contest. The BJP is expected to sweep the elections, winning anywhere between 42 and 51 seats in the 68-seat Assembly. The aggregate of various exit polls estimates BJP tally at 49 seats. A simple majority requires 35 seats. The Congress tally could settle between 13 and 24 seats, falling from the current 36.
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