Delhi exit polls predict anti-corruption party win
February 7, 2015
Five exit polls following state elections in India's capital Delhi on Saturday showed the anti-corruption Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leading against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Four exit polls forecasted a clear majority for the AAP.
Local media in Delhi showed the AAP's leader, former income tax officer and anti-corruption activist Arvind Kejriwal, distributing sweets to his supporters, tweeting his thanks.
The final results were expected on Tuesday, February 10 and a change in results could be possible, considering that exit polls in India had been inaccurate in the past.
Kejriwal's popularity pays off
Nearly 67 percent of Delhi's voters turned out to elect their new state government, after the AAP's chaotic tenure in 2013. At the time, Kejriwal declared himself an anarchist shortly after assuming his post as chief minister, staging protests and effectively paralyzing Delhi's administration.
The anti-corruption activist resigned from his position barely 49 days after forming the government.
Kejriwal managed to convince his supporters again this year, promising lower utility bills to Delhi residents, and presenting stiff competition to his former ally Kiran Bedi, who was the BJP's pick for chief minister this year.
A blow for Modi
Despite the looming defeat, the opposing BJP's chief ministerial candidate was positive. "We must wait until February 10 for the results. I can assure you truth will win and the exit polls will change," Bedi, a former police officer, told reporters.
A defeat for the BJP would represent a significant setback to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose party has been on a winning spree in several state elections across India ever since he came to power in May 2014.
Saturday's voting was the first tough political battle Modi's party was facing since last year, although the BJP's success was largely attributed to Modi's personal charisma and his focus on development policies.
mg/rc (AP, AFP)