Chhattisgarh Election Exit Poll: Congress' hopes for comeback crushed; Here are the factors responsible

JCC-BSP alliance seems to have damaged the Congress more than the BJP. Nearly one in ten traditional Congress supporters seems to have voted for the alliance.

Image: PTI

New Delhi: Congress’ hopes of making a comeback after a 15-year-hiatus in Chhattisgarh seem to be crushed by the Bharatiya Janata Party which is predicted to enjoy a fourth successive term in the state. BJP is expected to secure 42% of the total votes cast, Congress likely to end up five points behind at 37%. The alliance of Janata Congress Chhattisgarh spearheaded by Ajit Jogi and BSP is likely to get 12% votes. As per ABP News Exit Poll based on Lokniti - CSDS survey, despite majority voters wanting a change, Congress unable to benefit primarily due to Ajit Jogi factor. Here are some of the factors suggested by the survey that can be linked to Congress’ loss in the state:

• Despite majority voters wanting a change, Congress unable to benefit primarily due to Ajit Jogi factor. First Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Ajit Jogi’s Janata Congress Chhattisgarh (JCC) and BSP alliance is expected to garner about 12 percent of votes in the state.
• Though Congress has a big lead in Northern Chhattisgarh however in Central and Southern regions contest is tough for it.
• JCC-BSP alliance seems to have damaged the Congress more than the BJP. Nearly one in ten traditional Congress supporters seems to have voted for the alliance.
• The alliance is also attracting a sizeable proportion of anti-incumbency voters. Close to 2 of 5 voters who said that they do not want the BJP government in the state to get another chance seem to have voted for JCC-BSP alliance.
• The BJP seems to have a significant advantage over the Congress among women voters compared to men.
• Raman Singh leads comfortably in the race of the Chief Ministerial choice; Congress’ Bhupesh Baghel second but way behind.
• Many voters claimed to have benefitted from the welfare schemes of the state government. The majority of voters said they had benefitted from Sanchar Kranti Yojana (free smart phones)