An exit poll summary from NDTV projects a win for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led alliance in the recently concluded general election.
According to the summary, two exit polls indicate that the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) could secure over 350 seats in the 543-member lower house of parliament. A simple majority requires 272 seats. In the 2019 election, the NDA won 353 seats.
The opposition INDIA alliance, led by the Congress party, is projected to win over 120 seats.
Exit polls in India have a mixed track record, often failing to accurately predict election outcomes. Analysts highlight the challenge of conducting exit polls in such a large and diverse country.
Nearly one billion people were eligible to vote in the seven-phase election, which started on April 19 and took place in the intense summer heat in many regions.
The Election Commission will count the votes cast in electronic voting machines on June 4, with results expected the same day.
If victorious, Modi, 73, will become only the second prime minister after independence leader Jawaharlal Nehru to win three consecutive terms.
