BJP fears Uttar Pradesh tally at just 35

New Delhi: Opinion poll projections of a possible BJP sweep are not being taken as accurate by saffron leaders. While the projections are working as a major boost to its cadre, BJP spin doctors do not want to be complacent.

After two rounds of polls in UP, some BJP watchers are predicting that the party will get a maximum of 35 Lok Sabha seats, which is nearly 20 less than opinion poll projections.

It is being claimed that the party is facing tough contests in some high-profile seats. There are also reports that a section of the upper castes, particularly Brahmins, are moving away from the BJP.

If these reports are true, it will not be a cakewalk for the BJP in UP, which has emerged as the gateway to Delhi.

Polarisation on communal lines is also not working well for the party, a senior BJP UP leader said. Following speculation that Dalit votes were shifting towards the BJP in western UP, a large chunk of the Muslim votebank in the second round of elections held in 11 LS seats in UP is believed to have consolidated in the SP’s  favour.