Exit Polls: BJP-led NDA Projected To Win 7 Out Of 9 UP By-election Seats

The 2024 JVC and Matrize exit polls predict a victory for the BJP-led NDA in Uttar Pradesh’s by-elections across nine assembly seats. The polls suggest that the NDA will win seven seats, while the Samajwadi Party (SP) is projected to lead in two seats.

The JVC exit poll specifically predicts the BJP will secure six out of the nine seats. These by-elections are seen as a crucial test for both the BJP and Samajwadi Party following the Lok Sabha elections.

Voter Turnout and Election Issues

Polling began at 7 am across constituencies like Katehari, Karhal, Ghaziabad, and Phulpur. Voter turnout gradually increased throughout the day, reaching an average of 41.92% by 3 pm. Kundarki recorded the highest turnout at 50.03%, while Ghaziabad had the lowest at 27.44%.

Amidst the polling, the Samajwadi Party raised concerns about voter suppression by the police. As a result, the Election Commission suspended several police personnel in Kanpur and Muzaffarnagar. Additionally, the BJP raised issues regarding the identity verification of burqa-clad women.

Importance of the By-elections for BJP and SP

Eight seats became vacant after the sitting MLAs were elected to the Lok Sabha, while polling was held in Sisamau due to the disqualification of SP legislator Irfan Solanki following his conviction in a criminal case.

The by-elections are the first major electoral test for both the BJP and Samajwadi Party after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. In those elections, the SP-Congress alliance made a significant impact, winning 43 out of 80 seats. The BJP, in contrast, was reduced to just 33 seats, compared to 62 in 2019. The results of this by-election will be crucial as both parties battle for dominance in Uttar Pradesh, India’s most politically significant state.

Also Read: Exit Polls Predict BJP-led Alliance Victory In Maharashtra Assembly Elections