UP elections 2017: Rahul rejects exit poll results

Opposition leaders dismissed exit polls, which have largely given BJP majority

premium

Laddoos being prepared at a shop in Bathinda on Friday, a day before counting of votes for Assembly polls, in anticipation of celebratory sales Photo: PTI

BS Reporter

Last Updated : Mar 11 2017 | 1:58 AM IST

On the eve of counting of votes of the Assembly polls in five states, the focus was on why Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has indicated he was willing to tie up with arch rival Bahujan Samaj Party to prevent President’s Rule in the state.

Akhilesh’s political rivals said he has lost his nerve, while Samajwadi Party sources said it was an effort to shut the door on any possible backroom deal between the BSP and the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Opposition leaders dismissed exit polls, which have largely given BJP majority, and claimed their party would win the elections.

Rashtriya Janata Dal president Lalu Prasad said: “Like in Bihar elections, all the exit polls would fall flat in Uttar Pradesh where Samajwadi Party-Congress would emerge victorious.”

Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi said exit polls that gave the BJP an edge over other parties in Uttar Pradesh were “wrong” and claimed his party, in alliance with the SP, would win the elections. The BJP said it was confident of winning two-thirds majority in Uttar Pradesh. SP General Secretary Ram Gopal Yadav said Akhilesh would get a second term as chief minister.