As counting day nears, Cong, BJP confident of forming govt in Madhya Pradesh

As heartbeats raced in political circles of Madhya Pradesh hours ahead of the beginning of counting of votes in the crucial assembly polls, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and state Congress chief Kamal Nath exuded confidence in their respective party forming the government.

However, both the leaders said there was no need to say anything today (Saturday) and added that adding things will be clear on Sunday.

Upbeat after some prominent exit polls showed a bumper win for the ruling BJP, CM Chouhan told media persons on Saturday, “the BJP will form government in Madhya Pradesh with an overwhelming majority.”

He added that people's love and trust towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi, popular schemes of central and state governments, unprecedented development in Madhya Pradesh, public's trust and immense support for the BJP make it clear that 'lotus' is going to bloom once again in the state.

“Every section of the society has rained blessings, affection and love on us. No doubt Ladli Behnas (women beneficiaries of the scheme by same name) have blessed us; nephew and nieces (young voters) also did not remain behind,” the CM said indicating his confidence in these sections of voters.

To a question, he said all exit polls will prove false (suggesting that the BJP will get even higher number of seats than predicted). About Congress’s confidence in forming a government, the CM said there is a difference between (their) confidence and (our) confidence. “I will say nothing today; tomorrow everything will be clear like sunlight.”

Kamal Nath told media persons that he will hold long discussions with them on Sunday afternoon. “There is no need to say anything today. I have nothing to do with exit polls, I have full confidence in the voters of Madhya Pradesh,” he said.

He added that there was no need to discuss independent candidates; as (their support) was not required.

Later Nath posted on social media platform X, addressing the Congress workers. “This is a time of enthusiasm and confidence. The process of Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections started about one and a half months ago and it will conclude on December 3 with the counting of votes. The service you have rendered to the party and democracy through thoughts, words and deeds at every stage is incomparable. Tomorrow, with the same concentration and dedication, we all have to complete the vote counting process together. I will personally be present in the office of Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee and will keep a close watch on the vote counting process and will be in constant touch with all of you. There will be a new dawn in Madhya Pradesh on December 3. Have faith that victory will choose Congress."

On Friday, Nath had said the party was ready for a win and on December 3, a Congress government would be formed in Madhya Pradesh.

At least three prominent exit polls have given around or over 150 seats to the ruling BJP in Madhya Pradesh, creating quite a buzz as earlier opinion polls and other exit polls have shown a neck and neck contest in Madhya Pradesh with even slight edge to Congress in some of them.

While Congress is reposing trust in anti-incumbency factor to work in its favour along with promises of welfare schemes, the BJP is exuding confidence on PM Modi, welfare schemes of central and state governments, especially the Ladli Behna scheme that has been projected as a game changer for the party.