Lurinjyoti Gogoi cites past inaccuracies, alleges bias and corporate influence ahead of Assam results
Guwahati: The Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) rejected exit poll projections forecasting a sweeping win for the BJP-led alliance, describing them as “inaccurate” and “politically influenced.” The party asserted that the final outcome will differ significantly from current media predictions.
Addressing a press conference, AJP president Lurinjyoti Gogoi said exit polls have a poor track record. “More than 57% of such projections since 1996 have been wrong,” he claimed, adding that these surveys remain “uncertain estimates” rather than reliable indicators. He cited multiple examples, including the 2004 Lok Sabha elections and state polls in Delhi (2015), Bihar (2020), West Bengal (2021), Himachal Pradesh (2022), and Goa (2022), where results diverged from forecasts.
Moreover, Gogoi alleged that inaccuracies stem not only from technical flaws but also from “political and commercial pressures.” He argued that certain media outlets attempt to shape public perception by projecting a “wave” in favour of the ruling party. According to him, competition for viewership often leads to exaggerated or sensational projections.
He also highlighted structural limitations in survey methods, pointing to sampling gaps and voter hesitation, particularly in rural areas. “Assam’s complex social fabric, alliance equations, and last-minute shifts are difficult to capture,” he said.
Meanwhile, AJP general secretary Jagadish Bhuyan maintained that the 2026 political landscape differs sharply from 2021, citing a more united opposition and visible anti-incumbency. He insisted that “real voter sentiment cannot be measured in studios.”
The party urged voters to wait for the official count on May 4, stating that exit polls are “not the final mandate.”
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