Naveen Patnaik set to keep state but lose LS seats: Exit polls

BHUBANESWAR: Exit poll projections for Odisha have given both BJD and BJP something to cheer about. While at least two exit polls predict that BJD will get a clear majority and retain power for a fifth straight term in the 147-member assembly, at least three others are giving BJP more Lok Sabha seats than BJD. A fourth poll is giving BJP just one Lok Sabha seat less than BJD.
According to Sambad-Kanak News poll, chief minister Naveen Patnaik is expected to retain power with a narrower margin.BJP is predicted to win 25-34 seats and Congress 12-15 seats. In 2014, BJD had won 117 seats, Congress 16 and BJP 10.

While Naveen is predicted to return to power, a reduced strength of BJD in the LS may affect its bargaining powers with the Centre and cut short his stated ambition of playing an important role in government formation in New Delhi.
Similarly, BJP’s failure to dislodge Naveen in the state will also prove wrong PM Narendra Modi’s prediction in March of a Tripura-like sweep by BJP in Odisha assembly.