Most exit polls on Monday forecast a clear majority for Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab in Assembly elections 2022. The party is projected to win 75-plus seats in the 117-member Assembly. The majority mark in the state is 59.

After the exit polls predicted a big win for the party, Bhagwant Mann, AAP’s chief ministerial candidate for Punjab, said he is ready to accept the mandate of the people.

“People’s mandate as to in whose hands will they place the reins of the future of their children, youth, elderlies for the next 5 years is locked in the machines (EVMs). Results will come on 10th, we will accept the mandate of people,” the stand-up comedian turned politician said while talking to media.

India-Today Axis My India exit poll has predicted 76-90 seats for AAP, 19-31 seats for the Congress, and 7-11 seats for Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). Republic-CNX exit poll projected 62-70 seats for AAP, 23-31 seats for Congress, 16-24 seats for SAD, and 1-2 seats for BJP.  

Punjab, which is the only state where Congress is in power, has been projected to lose the state with just around 30 seats in the Assembly.

When about the early exit polls predicting a victory for AAP, Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi said he will wait for the results to be declared on March 10.

“The boxes (sealed EVMs) will say what is going to happen. Wait for the 10th of March,” Channi said, ANI reported. 

Punjab voted in a single phase on February 20. The state had recorded an overall voter turnout of approximately 70%. A total of 1,304 candidates are in the fray this time.