Modi, exit polls and the ultimate verdict

Updated - May 15, 2014 at 01:50 PM.

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While BJP has been claiming that there is a ground swell of support for Modi, the party faced some anxious moments as it struggled to sew up alliances in states such as Tamil Nadu and Seemandhra. This file photo shows Vaiko, MDMK general secretary; Vijayakanth, DMDK president; BJP president Rajnath Singh and PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss, at the announcement of seat sharing of the National Democratic Alliance in Chennai. Photo: SR Raghunathan ▲

Modi also had to contend with the mercurial leader of AAP, Kejriwal, in Varanasi. Many pundits say that Kejriwal and Ajay Rai, Congress’s candidate for Varanasi, have ensured that Modi does not take his victory for granted. This file photo shows BJP supporters led by Harsh Vardhan, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, Venkaiah Naidu and other leaders protesting against the refusal of permission for Narendra Modi’s rally at Varanasi by Returning Officer citing security reasons, in New Delhi on May 8, 2014. Photo Rajeev Bhatt

Photo: Rajeev Bhatt

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The 2014 election campaign also marked a new low in democracy as political parties and leaders fiercely hit out at each other, and very often, got personal. The exchange between Modi and Priyanka in particular dominated the political discourse. This file photo shows Priyanka campaigning for Rahul Gandhi in Amethi. PTI Photo

Photo: PTI

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Apart from the fervour with which the election was contested, what has made the 2014 elections truly spectacular is the extraordinary turnout of voters. The polling this time touched 66.4%, the highest ever. The 2009 general elections saw just 58.2% turnout. Photo: Sushil Kumar Verma

Photo: Sushil Kumar Verma

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Though most of the surveys have given the NDA a clear edge, given the complexity of Indian politics, a surprise or two is not ruled out. Assuming that the NDA falls short of majority, speculation is also rife about the possible post-poll alliances. But right now, stay tuned for the grand finale on May 16.

Photo: B_JOTHI RAMALINGAM

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The range of numbers that the exit polls have thrown up is perhaps symptomatic of our fractured polity. But all the surveys have one thing in common: they agree that the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance will either secure a majority on its own or will be within a sniffing distance of the magic number. Here’s looking back at Modi’s journey over the past couple of months as he stands tantalisingly close to what would be a crowning glory of his political career.

Published on July 23, 2024 21:55