A day before the second phase of polling, both the major parties of the State — the BJP and the Congress — have engaged in calculation of seats for forming the Government. Both the parties surmise of winning over 50 seats and would form Government in the State. However, independent political observers consider neck and neck fight in the State and both the major parties may get 42-45 seats. BSP may get 2-3 seats, and independents and others 2-3 seats.
Polling in 18 seats was held in the State in the first phase, in which 12 seats of Bastar and six of Rajnandgaon. For the remaining 72 seats, second phase of polling is to be held on Tuesday. The parties have engaged in calculations based on the indications of voters’ interest and campaigning.
In the last election, the BJP had won 11 out of 12 seats of Bastar and the Congress got only one seat. Similarly, out of the 40 seats of Raipur and Durg divisions, the BJP had won 19 and the Congress 21 seats. From the 15 seats of Surguja division, the BJP grabbed nine and the Congress five. Out of the 24 seats of Bilaspur division, the BJP got 10, Congress 12 and the BSP 2 seats. As such, out of the total 90 seats the BJP had 49 seats, the Congress 39 and the BSP two seats.
According to informed sources, the State in-charge of the Congress, along with other leaders had taken the estimation of seats. According to their calculation, there were possibilities of winning or losing of some seats. According to sources, the BJP also estimates that it would win over 50 seats. However, party leaders avoid telling anything in this regard. The Chief Minister and State in-charge of the party already had claimed of forming the Government in the State for the third time. They say that the party would get more seats than the last time.
However, looking to the situation, political observers assume that no party would get more than 48 seats. According to them, the parties might not have a difference of more than 4-6 seats. Since last two elections, the BSP had been winning two seats. The observers said that this time also the BSP might get 2-3 seats.
Similarly, independents and others may get 2-3 seats. The situation will be further clear after polling on Tuesday.