The Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister also dismissed exit polls that predict a comfortable victory for the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Assam.
Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar (File photo)
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and senior Congress leader DK Shivakumar on Saturday reached Assam, declaring that his primary mission was to “protect MLAs” from possible poaching attempts ahead of the counting of votes for the Legislative Assembly elections on May 4.
Speaking to ANI in Guwahati, Shivakumar said, “I am here to protect my MLAs, guide the MLAs and help the party. They are safe today and tomorrow.” He, along with former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, arrived in the state to hold meetings with Congress candidates as the party braces for the outcome of a high-stakes contest.
Shivakumar, known within Congress circles for his role in “hotel politics” to shield legislators from defection during political crises, appeared confident about keeping the party’s flock together. His visit comes amid intense speculation over post-poll manoeuvres and the possibility of MLAs switching sides.
The Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister also dismissed exit polls that predict a comfortable victory for the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Assam. “I don’t believe in any exit poll, even if it is in our favour or not. The sample size for the exit polls is smaller, so I have my own calculations,” he said, questioning the reliability of such surveys.
#WATCH | Assam Elections 2026 | Guwahati: On Exit Polls, Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar says, “I don’t believe in any exit poll, whatever it may be – whether it is in our favour or not. My strategy is different; the exit poll sample size will be very small. So, I have my own… pic.twitter.com/VtgZlHgWRC— ANI (@ANI) May 2, 2026
When asked about the prospects of the opposition in West Bengal and Assam, Shivakumar asserted that the INDIA bloc would form the government in every state where elections have been held. “My party cadres are very confident that the Congress alliance will come to power. I believe in my leaders. I believe in the voters of Assam. They need a change, they will have a change,” he added.
Assam Elections 2026
Multiple exit polls projected a third consecutive term for the BJP-led NDA in Assam. Axis My India projected that the NDA would win 88-100 of the 126 seats, with the Congress-led alliance expected to secure 24-36 seats. JVC predicted 88-101 seats for the NDA and 23-33 seats for the Congress-led alliance, giving 0-2 seats to AIUDF and three to others.
Matrize projected 85-95 seats for the BJP-led alliance, 25-32 for the Congress-led alliance, and 6-12 seats for others. P-Marq estimated 82-94 seats for the BJP-led alliance, 30-40 for the Congress-led alliance, and 1-5 seats for others.
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