BJP edge in Bengal, say 4 exit polls, two predict Mamata Banerjee win

Unpredictable Bengal stayed true to its nature, with exit polls divided over the outcome of the assembly elections. While four exit polls predicted the BJP would breach Mamata Banerjee's Bengal fort, which the party labelled as its final frontier, two pollsters suggested that the TMC would decisively return to power for a consecutive fourth term. Overall, the numbers suggest a close contest.

The four exit polls gave the BJP anywhere between 146-175 seats. On the other hand, two pollsters predicted a return of Mamata Banerjee, giving the TMC 177-205 seats. A party requires 148 seats to form the



government.

However, exit poll numbers should be taken with a pinch of salt. In the 2021 assembly elections, most pollsters predicted a photo finish between the TMC and BJP. However, the Mamata Banerjee-led party swept the elections with a commanding 215 seats, far exceeding predictions, while the BJP managed 77 seats, emerging as the principal opposition for the first time.

Exit polls are based on surveys conducted among people who have exited the poll booths after casting their votes. Exit polls aim to predict the mood among the voters, but can get the forecast wrong.