Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has strongly dismissed the recent exit poll predictions for the Maharashtra Assembly elections, calling them “fraudulent” and urging the public to disregard the results. Raut claimed that the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA)—a coalition consisting of Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and Sharad Pawar’s faction of the NCP—would secure a decisive victory, winning around 160 seats and forming the next government. This assertion came in direct response to exit poll projections, which predicted a likely win for the ruling Mahayuti alliance, led by the BJP. The exit polls forecasted the BJP-led alliance could secure between 137 and 170 seats, while the MVA was projected to win between 110 and 147 seats.

Sanjay Raut criticized the BJP-led alliance, emphasizing the unity and strength of the MVA, while expressing confidence that the Mahayuti coalition would face political instability post-election. The elections were held in a single phase on November 20, with a voter turnout of 62.05%. The results were scheduled to be announced on November 23. The significance of this election is heightened due to major splits within both the Shiv Sena and NCP, leading to new alliances being tested in the 288-member assembly.

Exit polls have often drawn skepticism from opposition leaders, who argue that such surveys fail to accurately reflect the real sentiments on the ground, especially in closely contested elections. Critics contend that these polls may not always capture the nuances of voter behavior, particularly in a state like Maharashtra, where political dynamics can shift rapidly. The ongoing political developments, marked by factionalism within major parties, add to the uncertainty and make the final outcome difficult to predict. Raut’s dismissal of exit polls reflects a broader narrative where opposition leaders often challenge the validity of pre-election surveys, especially when results appear to favor the ruling party.