Uddhav Thackeray Disagrees With Exit Polls Predicting Victory For BJP

Mumbai, Dec 17: Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray disagreed with prediction of the exit polls that anticipate a clear victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Gujarat Assembly Elections 2017. He said that the difference between the political environment in Gujarat and exit polls results is too huge. Notably, Thackeray’s party shares an uneasy relationship with its ruling ally BJP in Maharashtra. Speaking to reporters at his residence ‘Matoshree’ in suburban Bandra, the Shiv Sena leader said. “The exit polls have predicted a clear victory for the BJP (in Gujarat). However, the exit poll predictions are not agreeable to us. The final result will be out on Monday and everyone has to accept it.” He added that there is a big difference between the atmosphere prevalent in Gujarat and the predictions of exit polls.The exit polls released after the December 14 voting have given a clear majority for the BJP in the 182-member Gujarat assembly. Almost all exit polls predicted more than 100 seats for the BJP in the state where the party is in power for over two decades.
Thackeray also congratulated Rahul Gandhi for taking over as Congress president. He praised the Gandhi scion for working hard for the Gujarat elections and hoped that he fulfils the aspirations of Congress party workers. “I hope he fulfils the trust of his party cadres,” he said.
On the other hand, he took a dig at the BJP and said that it has not been able to live up to the expectations of the people. “The NDA-led party has not been able to tackle issues like farm loan waiver and unemployment,” he said. Claiming that Shiv Sena has its stand clear, he said, “The Sena did not change its colours after coming to power. Our stand remains clear (on issues of public importance). Nobody should teach us what we should do.” He also revealed that the post of Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra was not offered to the Sena by the BJP.