# India

Lok Sabha elections 2019 Phase 7 Live Updates: Exit polls predict NDA return with majority

The BJP-led NDA seems to be poised to form the next government, with most exit poll results giving the alliance a clear majority.

SNS | New Delhi | May 19, 2019 6:41 am

Lok Sabha elections 2019 Phase 7 Live Updates: Exit polls predict NDA return with majority

Lok Sabha elections 2019 Phase 7 Live Updates: The seven-phase Lok Sabha elections came to a close with 59 constituencies across seven states and one Union Territory voting on Sunday. The polling process for the 2019 General Elections completed at 6 pm, and soon exit poll results started coming in.

Most exit polls conducted by different organisations have given the BJP-led NDA full majority, even as opposition parties are dismissing these predictions. It’s time now to wait for May 23, the counting day, when the real picture will get clear.

According to the Election Commission of India, an estimated voter turnout of 61.13 per cent was recorded across the seven states and one UT by 6 pm, when polling at all 59 constituencies was to officially end.

Among the 59 seats that voted today is the high-profile Varanasi from where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking a second term.

All 13 seats in Punjab, and an equal number of seats in Uttar Pradesh, voted today, besides the remaining nine seats in West Bengal, eight each in Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, four in Himachal Pradesh, three in Jharkhand and the lone seat in Chandigarh.

As many as 918 candidates were in the fray and 7.27 crore voters have decided their fate.

READ | Lok Sabha elections 2019 Phase 7 | Key contenders, constituencies in 7 states, 1 UT

The Election Commission had set up more than 1.12 lakh polling stations.

In Panaji, a bypoll, necessitated due to the death of former chief minister Manohar Parrikar in March 2019, was held today. Besides, by-elections took place in four Assembly constituencies of Tamil Nadu — Sulur, Aravakurichi, Ottapidaram (SC) and Thiruparankundram.

Repolling held in several other booths too.

In the last six phases, a voter turnout of 66.88 per cent had been recorded.

The verdict will be out on May 23, 2019.

Here is our live blog. Stay tuned to catch the latest updates on the seventh phase of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, which will be followed by exit polls.

READ ALL ELECTION 2019 STORIES HERE