Is the Exit Poll Predicting a Big Win for NDA Reliable?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Exit polls are indicative but not conclusive.
- Past polls have shown discrepancies in predicting NDA's performance.
- Women's turnout was notably high in the Bihar elections.
- Political assistance programs may influence voting behavior.
- Investigations into terrorism remain a critical issue in India.
New Delhi, Nov 12 (NationPress) In response to exit polls predicting a substantial victory for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar, Congress MP Tariq Anwar remarked on Wednesday that these polls should be viewed as an indication rather than a definitive conclusion.
“Typically, exit polls seem to favor the NDA. For instance, during the Lok Sabha elections, they forecasted over 300 seats for the NDA, yet they only managed around 240. In 2015, an exit poll predicted a majority for the NDA, but the Mahagathbandhan emerged victorious,” Anwar informed IANS.
He further noted that in West Bengal, an exit poll had suggested a win for the BJP, which ultimately did not materialize.
“Thus, while we can regard exit polls as an indication, it would be erroneous to consider them as the final results. Bihar is a vast state with numerous factors influencing voter behavior,” he stated.
According to Anwar, it is not guaranteed that all predictions made by exit polls will be accurate.
The Bihar Assembly Elections 2025, which saw significant voter turnout during both phases on November 6 and 11, are anticipated to yield a strong mandate for the BJP-led NDA while potentially undermining the RJD and Congress-led Mahagathbandhan, as indicated by most exit polls released on Tuesday.
Anwar also highlighted the considerable participation of women voters in Bihar, asserting that they have played an essential role in these elections.
He pointed out that the NDA government had announced a ₹10,000 assistance program for women just prior to the elections, which has evidently influenced their voting decisions.
“Many may not fully grasp the political motives behind such initiatives, so this move likely swayed their votes,” he told IANS.
Regarding the recent Delhi blast investigation by the NIA, Anwar expressed support for the inquiry, stating that it is beneficial for the National Investigation Agency to look into the incident.
“This was a significant attack. We had been under the impression that terrorism was on the decline, but that is not the case; terrorism continues to escalate in the country. It is crucial to investigate the roots of such incidents and identify those accountable,” he added.
On Tuesday, the Home Ministry transferred the Delhi blast investigation to the NIA.
The explosion occurred on the evening of November 10 when a Haryana-registered car parked near Gate No.1 of the Red Fort Metro Station detonated, resulting in at least eight fatalities and injuring numerous others.