New Delhi: The BJP’s gambit finally seems to have paid rich dividends in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The BJP had hoped to compensate for the loss of seats to the SP-BSP gathbandhan in Uttar Pradesh (UP) by breaking new ground in Odisha and West Bengal (WB).

As exit polls rolled out on Sunday evening, the BJP was expected to do quite well in the two eastern states, making up for the losses in UP.

Taking an average of five exit polls, the BJP is predicted to get between 11 and 13 seats in Odisha. Taking the average of four surveys for Bengal, the BJP is expected to get somewhere between 14 and 18 seats.

Looking at the loss of seats in UP, the BJP is expected to lose to the SP-BSP alliance some 25 seats. If the seats in the two states are added, it comes to between 15 and 31 seats. Thus, mathematically speaking, the BJP is expected to get some 23 seats in the two states.

Also read: Exit polls predict Narendra Modi sweep again, Bengal holds a surprise

The compensation seems to have been done quite fully.

According to Nielsen-ABP survey, the BJP is getting 9 seats in Odisha, while Times Now-VMR is giving 12 to the saffron party. India Today is giving 15-19 seats to the party, while C-Voter-Republic TV is giving the party 10 seats. Jan Ki Baat in association with Republic TV is giving the BJP somewhere between 11 and 13 seats.

Meanwhile, Nielsen-ABP survey is giving the BJP 16 seats in WB, while Times Now-VMR is giving 11 to the saffron party. C-Voter-Republic TV is giving the party 11 seats in WB, while Jan Ki Baat in association with Republic TV is giving the BJP somewhere between 18 and 26 seats.