NPP ahead in exit polls, MDA 2.0 likely

MEGHALAYA EXIT POLLS AT A GLANCE

Zee News-Matrize
NPP: 21-26 seats | TMC: 8-13 | BJP: 6-11 seats | INC: 3-6 | Others: 10-19

TimesNow-ETG
NPP: 18-26 seats | BJP: 3-6 seats | INC: 2-5

India Today-Axis My India
NPP: 18-24 seats | TMC: 5-9 | BJP: 4-8 | INC: 6-12 seats

Jan Ki Baat
NPP: 11-16 seats | TMC: 8-14 | BJP: 3-7 seats | INC: 6-11

BIG TV-Peoples Pulse
NPP: 17-26 seats | TMC: 10-14 | BJP: 3-8 seats | INC: 3-5 | UDP: 8-12 | Others: 10-19

SHILLONG, Feb 27: Exit polls by various national TV channels have two common denominators — a hung assembly and NPP as the single largest party.
While the relieved NPP leaders have not seriously contested the projections, on the other hand, ambitious parties like TMC and UDP have reservations about the exit polls. Both these parties have expectations of higher scores, come March 2.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma reacted to the exit polls in “I told you so” manner. However, he believes NPP tally might actually go up further after counting.
There can never be too much room for guessing about who NPP would be sharing power with. Smarting under massive attack on his government by BJP and other coalition partners, Sangma was not prepared to spell out his options. “Will keep all options open for post-poll alliance,” Sangma said playing it safe.
“Our MLAs will take a conscious decision on how to move forward,” Sangma said.
“We have been very clear what is in the best interest of the people when it comes to forming the government. We will take into consideration the aspect of ensuring a stable government,” he added.
He expressed happiness over the exit poll prediction stating that it was in line with the NPP’s expectations. “We are going to get more seats as expected,” he said.
“Normally, exit polls are done five to six days ahead of polls. During the last four-five days, we saw things moving forward. We expect the numbers to be higher than the exit poll prediction,” Sangma said, adding, “One cannot base one’s strategy on exit polls. When the real numbers come out, we will see how to move forward.”
NPP state president WR Kharlukhi said the party had set a target of 25 seats but might end up securing an absolute majority.
Deputy Chief Minister and NPP vice president Prestone Tynsong said he was confident people voted in favour of the party.
“I have travelled a lot and gone to each and every constituency. The response of the people was like a mass movement,” he added.
Talking about post-election equations, he said, “I will not say anything now. Let us cross the bridge when come to the bridge. I am very confident we will cross 32-33 seats.”
He said if the polls indeed throw up a fractured mandate, the NPP will have to work together with other parties as in the last five years. He denied the NPP has any post-poll understanding with any political parties.
On whether he is the chief ministerial face, Tynsong said, “The party’s newly-elected MLAs will have to sit down, work out and ultimately, whatever decision is taken, we will have to respect that.”
The TMC, the title contenders, has made it clear that in case of a fractured mandate; the party is open to any combination for a coalition government except for the BJP and the NPP.
“We are very positive and the response received during our campaign since our entry into the state as TMC has proved to be very encouraging. People have come out in huge numbers to support us and we sincerely hope that these numbers translate into votes so that we get the opportunity to form the government and bring the much-needed change people are looking for,” TMC State president Charles Pyngrope said after casting his vote on Monday.
Replying to a query on whether the TMC was ready for an alliance with UDP and Congress if the need arises, Pyngrope made it clear that the party is ready to align with everyone barring BJP and NPP.
“We are looking for a combination without BJP and NPP. The question of whether they want us or not is a different issue,” he added.
Opposition leader Mukul Sangma said that they are still compiling the reports coming in from ground zero. “The inputs are encouraging and indicative of TMC definitely being ahead of other political parties,” he said.
Mukul, however, refused to reveal the number of seats the party is expected to win.