TN: Exit poll projections prove right

CHENNAI: After a month-long suspense and the impression of a cliffhanger, the people of Tamil Nadu, true to their character, have given a decisive mandate to the DMK led Democratic Progressive Alliance (DPA), proving right, the exit poll projections.

As the counting of votes polled in the May 8 assembly elections was drawing to a close, the DPA established leads in about 160 of the 234 seats. This was more than enough for it to wrest power from the AIADMK, led by Ms J Jayalalithaa.

The ruling AIADMK led front gave a tough fight, but not enough to prevent the DPA to romp home. The front was set to win atleast 70 seats.

Though the exit poll surveys conducted by The Hindu CNN-IBN, Star News and Times Now projected a victory to the DMK led DPA, the higher turnout of 70.88 per centage created a confusion as it was argued that the extra ten per cent of votes would benefit the ruling AIADMK and the late swing might alter the projections.

While the CNN-IMB survey predicted a handsome majority of 157 to 167 seats, the Star News gave 170 plus seats and the Times Now 150 plus. The Hindu-CNN-IBN almost hit the bull's eye, though its previous survey, taken before the DMK came out with its manifesto and hit the campaign trail, projected that would be too close a call."

Contrary to speculations that there would be a hung assembly and the state might head for a coalition government, the people have given a decisive mandate as per tradition.