The BJP-Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) alliance is set to retain Nagaland, an aggregate of four exit polls showed on Monday, following a closely-watched triangular contest.
Exit polls, though, often get the result wrong. The Election Commission will announce the results on March 2.
India Today-Axis My India gave the BJP-NDPP alliance 38-48 seats, while the Congress was tipped to get anywhere between 1-2.
The majority mark in the 60-member assembly is 31.
Times Now-ETG Research gave the ruling alliance in the state 29-49 seats, while the Naga People's Front (NPF) was tipped to get anywhere between 4-8. It predicted zero seats for the Congress.
Jan Ki Baat predicted 35-45 seats for the BJP-NDPP alliance, and 6-10 seats for the NPF. It gave zero seats to the Congress.
Zee New-Matrize gave the BJP-NDPP alliance 35-43 seats and 1-3 to the Congress. It gave the NPF 2-5 seats.
The BJP is contesting in alliance with the NDPP, its alliance partner in the last state polls in 2018. The BJP is, however, the junior partner, having agreed to a seat-sharing ratio of 20:40 in the state.
The Congress and Naga People's Front are contesting in 23 and 22 seats respectively.
Notably, there are only four women out of 183 candidates in the polls. Since it was established in 1963, Nagaland has seen 14 Assembly elections -- but never a woman MLA.
Among the key constituencies are Northen Angami, which will determine the poll fate of NDPP candidate and Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio; Tiyu where BJP candidate and Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton; Peren where a two-time Chief Minister TR Zeliang will be contesting the election as NDPP candidate.
Nagaland BJP chief Temjen Imna Along will contest from Alongtaki seat. In the present government, he is also serving as a Minister of Higher and Technical Education.
NPF leader Kuzholuzo Nienu has declared he is open to post-poll public rallies with other parties and candidates.
2 More Exit Polls Predict Landslide For NDA In Maharashtra Mahayuti vs Opposition On "Fraud" Exit Polls As Maharashtra Awaits Result Exit Poll Results 2024 Highlights: BJP+ Ahead In Maharashtra, Tight Race In Jharkhand, Predict Exit Polls Russia's Firing Of ICBM On Ukraine Is Weapon's 1st Combat Use In History Amazon Employee Greets Friend At Wedding, Dies Of Cardiac Arrest 2 More Exit Polls Predict Landslide For NDA In Maharashtra Rajnath Singh Meets US Secretary Of Defence On Sidelines Of ASEAN Meet UN Nuclear Watchdog Passes Resolution Against Iran, Demands Cooperation ISRO, Australian Space Agency Sign Agreement For Space Cooperation Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.