In the run-up to the 2019 general elections, India prepares itself to exercise its franchise in 7 phases, similarly, with just a few weeks left for the general elections, political parties have also upped the ante. Discussions about elections, policy, governance, past performance of the government and others have taken over the prime time slots of Indian media together with political pundits, who are coming out with their analysis and predictions.
Trying to gauge the mood of the nation, the Times Now-VMR opinion survey has indicated a healthy return of the BJP led NDA back to the centre. According to the poll reports published, NDA is set to win on 283 seats of the total 543 seats in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections. UPA led by Congress, on the other hand, is expected to lead on just 135 seats, while the remaining going to other political parties. Some of the highlights of the survey include:
Decisive sweep for NDA in Northeast India
After stellar performances in the state elections in the Northeastern states, NDA is again on a track to decimate opposition in these states. According to the polls NDA is expected to win on eight out of the total fourteen seats in Assam. While UPA and AIUDF on four and two seats respectively. NDA with its developmental push in the region is successful in connecting with the people of Northeast India. Going on to vote shares in the state, NDA is at 37.00%, UPA at 32.4%, AIUDF at 12.80% and 14.3 % votes going to other political parties.
#2019OpinionPoll: Here is the seat and vote share projection for Assam. | TIMES NOW-VMR Poll Tracker. pic.twitter.com/DadJ1I7UL2
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) March 18, 2019
Delhi to be totally dominated by the NDA
The current political scenario in Delhi indicated huge positive sentiment for the NDA. With AAP losing all its credibility after childish political stunts and failure of Congress to revive its image after the ghastly 2014 campaign, the fruit looks ripe for NDA. According to the poll BJP is set to win on all seven seats in the NCT.
#2019OpinionPoll: Here is the seat and vote share projection for Delhi. | TIMES NOW-VMR Poll Tracker. pic.twitter.com/z9KRQJA5sY
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) March 18, 2019
Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan back to their base.
After the debacle of state elections towards the end of 2018, NDA is all set to regain its mandate in the 2019 general elections. According to the poll BJP is set to win on 22 out of the total 29 seats in Madhya Pradesh coupled with 20 of the total 25 seats in Rajasthan. Maharashtra is also positive for the NDA with expected win on 39 out of the total 48.
#2019OpinionPoll: Here is the seat and vote share projection for Maharashtra. | TIMES NOW-VMR Poll Tracker. pic.twitter.com/MfxMdsEm95
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) March 18, 2019
#2019OpinionPoll: Here is the seat and vote share projection for Madhya Pradesh. | TIMES NOW-VMR Poll Tracker. pic.twitter.com/PIghFZB9vP
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) March 18, 2019
#2019OpinionPoll: Here is the seat and vote share projection for Rajasthan. | TIMES NOW-VMR Poll Tracker. pic.twitter.com/9vlzuHamBA
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) March 18, 2019
NDA to form deep inroads in Odisha and West Bengal
With declining popularity of the AITC and the BJD in the states of West Bengal and Odisha respectively over a multitude of issues, BJP is all set to emerge as a favorite alternative in both states. In Odisha, BJP is expected to win 14 seats while limiting BJD to just 7. UPA to get zero seats, according to the polls. In West Bengal law and order issues have shifted the sentiment in favor of the BJP, which is expected to win 11 out of the total 42 seats which is a huge jump from just 2 seats in the 2014 general elections. Left and Congress to settle on zero seats.
#2019OpinionPoll: Here is the seat and vote share projection for West Bengal. | TIMES NOW-VMR Poll Tracker. pic.twitter.com/nGjCTp5rNO
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) March 18, 2019
#2019OpinionPoll: Here is the seat and vote share projection for Odisha. | TIMES NOW-VMR Poll Tracker. pic.twitter.com/jcLdFhvS3s
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) March 18, 2019
Bihar remains stable support for NDA
After a clear one-sided mandate in Bihar, NDA is again set to repeat its performance in the state with JD(U) also part of NDA, further electoral benefits are expected. According to the survey, 27 out of the total 40 seats in Bihar are expected to go to NDA with remaining going to UPA.
#2019OpinionPoll: Here is the seat and vote share projection for Bihar. | TIMES NOW-VMR Poll Tracker. pic.twitter.com/I8UXm7KtRH
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) March 18, 2019
Karnataka shows its support for Modi
BJP has been successful in making inroads in southern India. The dismal performance of the JD(S)–Congress government in the state has swayed the voters away from the alliance, which many term as ‘unholy’. BJP in the state is expected to win on 15 seats in the state while UPA will be limited to 13 seats in 2019.
#2019OpinionPoll: Here is the seat and vote share projection for Karnataka. | TIMES NOW-VMR Poll Tracker. pic.twitter.com/xdwwGRYvho
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) March 18, 2019
BIG surprise for BJP in Kerala
With NDA’s continuous push to connect with the people of Kerala over several issues like law and order and other sensitive issues like that of the Sabarimala temple, according to the survey, BJP has succeeded to set its foot in the political ground in Kerala. BJP is set to win at least one seat in the state which is a positive sign for the future of the party in the state.
#2019OpinionPoll: Here are Seat and Vote share projection for Kerala. | TIMES NOW-VMR Poll Tracker. pic.twitter.com/g52MqqbZyN
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) March 18, 2019
In the big picture according to the survey, the ruling coalition is set to retain power in the centre. Important issues still remain the major drivers of public sentiment. Subsequent surveys have given a considerable lead to the NDA, however all the parties will be on the toes with just a few weeks remaining for the nation to decide in the 2019 general elections.