Chhattisgarh Election Exit Poll: BJP's longest serving CM Raman Singh set for another term

New Delhi: The BJP under the stewardship of incumbent Chief Minister Raman Singh looks set for a fourth successive term in Chhattisgarh despite fairly strong anti-incumbency sentiments. In ABP News Exit Poll, based on Lokniti-CSDS survey, with 37% estimated vote share and 35 seats, Congress is predicted to trail behind BJP which emerged stronger with 42%  votes and 52 seats. The JCC-BSP alliance remains third with 12% votes and only three seats in the assembly. As per the survey, BJP has fared 2018 assembly polls better if compared to the 2013 assembly polls. It has clutched the giant share of the 90-seat assembly with 52 seats in its bag, which is three more than the previous assembly polls in which it had garnered 49 seats. Raman Singh who is most likely to enjoy his fourth term as the Chief Minister of the state remains the most popular choice because of the different welfare schemes that have benefitted people at large. Congress’ seat share has dipped if compared to previous polls as it is likely to secure 35 seats which is 4 less than what it secured in 2013 elections. Though, Congress seems to be the most preferred party in the Northern region of the state with 42% votes, the Central and the South belt voted to uphold the BJP government. Despite majority voters wanting a change, Congress is unable to benefit primarily due to Ajit Jogi factor. The former CM of the state managed to magnet votes from Congress’ account. The JCC-BSP alliance seems to have damaged the Congress more than the BJP. As per the survey, nearly one in ten traditional Congress supporters seems to have voted for the alliance. Unemployment has emerged as the biggest election issue followed by price rise.