UDF nears 100 seats as results match exit poll predictions

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The early results in Kerala are largely in line with the exit poll predictions made by various agencies, which had indicated a UDF victory. The UDF is now leading in close to 100 seats. Most exit polls had predicted an advantage for the alliance. Matrize had projected 70 to 75 seats for the UDF, while People’s Pulse estimated 75 to 85 seats. Vote Vibe predicted 70 to 80 seats, Axis My India forecast 78 to 90 seats, and JVC estimated 72 to 84 seats for the UDF.

Opposition Leader V D Satheesan had accepted the favourable exit poll trends and maintained that the UDF would win more than 100 seats. The current results appear to support his claim. Even in constituencies where the LDF was expected to win comfortably, the UDF is showing strong gains. The results point to a strong anti-incumbency wave. Several ministers are trailing.

Exit poll predictions for the LDF had been lower. Matrize estimated 60 to 65 seats, People’s Pulse 55 to 65 seats, Vote Vibe 58 to 68 seats, Axis My India 49 to 62 seats, and JVC 52 to 61 seats for the LDF.

Various surveys had also predicted some gains for the BJP-led NDA. Matrize projected 3 to 5 seats, People’s Pulse 0 to 3 seats, Vote Vibe 0 to 4 seats, Axis My India 0 to 3 seats, and JVC 3 to 7 seats for the NDA. As counting trends emerge, the NDA is currently leading in three seats.