Goa Election Results 2017: Exit polls predict a win for BJP in the state
With exit polls predicting a second-term for Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Goa, all eyes are set on
the election results scheduled to be declared tomorrow, March 11. Three out of the four exit polls predicted a majority for the party in the 40-member assembly, with just one indicating a hung house.
The BJP had fielded 36 candidates and also supported independent candidates in remaining four seats. If the party misses majority, it may form an alliance with Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP).
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar led the party's campaign in Goa. BJP chief Amit Shah had earlier hinted that the new government could work under the leadership of Mr Parrikar, fueling speculation of his return to state politics.
Mr Parrikar, who became the Chief Minister of Goa in 2012, was later elevated to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet in 2014. Laxmikant Parsekar succeeded as the state's Chief Minister.
The Congress fielded 37 candidates and backed candidates of its associates in the remaining three seats. Senior party leaders Digvijaya Singh, Jyotiraditya Scindia and Digambar Kamat led the election campaign in the state.
According to the exit polls, Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which is making a debut in the state, is expected to win just three seats in the assembly elections. It also predicted a big win for BJP in
Uttar Pradesh and
Uttarakhand. However, please remember, exit polls predictions are known for going wide off the mark.
The counting for all the five states - Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Goa, Uttarakhand and Manipur - will begin at 7 am.