In a pointed critique ahead of Assam’s assembly poll results, opposition leader Debabrata Saikia dismissed exit polls as unreliable barometers of voter intent. The Congress heavyweight from Nazira told journalists in Guwahati that such predictions often mislead the public about the final mandate.
Recalling discrepancies from previous polls, Saikia cited the West Bengal elections as a prime example. Despite surveys heralding a BJP sweep, the actual outcome painted a different picture, with TMC securing a massive win.
This cycle’s Assam elections feel markedly different, Saikia noted. Voters appeared hesitant to reveal their choices in exit interviews, complicating agencies’ efforts to gauge ground realities accurately.
Saikia interpreted this reticence as a sign of brewing discontent against the ruling BJP. He suggested that people unhappy with governance preferred secrecy over public expression, possibly intimidated by potential reprisals from party cadres.
With anti-incumbency simmering and widespread dissatisfaction, the leader foresaw challenges for the incumbents. Betting on the power of undecided and silent voters, Saikia predicted his party could spring a surprise.
“Exit polls are just guesses; the real story emerges on counting day,” he concluded, urging caution against premature celebrations based on survey data.
