NDTV Battleground: S Jaishankar's Prediction On BJP's 2024 Score

Pro-incumbency in several states and growing support in areas that are not the BJP's traditional strongholds will ensure that the ruling party beats its 2019 score in the ongoing Lok Sabha polls, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said at NDTV's special show Battleground with Editor-in-Chief Sanjay Pugalia.

Asked what number he would choose if he has to place a bet on the BJP's tally in these polls, Dr Jaishankar said he would leave the numbers to experts. "But I can tell you one thing, I had several public interactions in this election. I think the support base in very solid. People have a way of showing pro-incumbency. So I felt there is a pro-incumbency in several states. Secondly, I went to Kerala several times last year. I went to Telangana for the election. These are not the BJP's traditional states. I sensed an emerging energy there. I can say that the trend in our favour is very positive. On the basis of my experience, I feel the numbers will increase, not decrease," he said.