Markets may still decline even after BJP’s win, poll strategist Prashant Kishor predicts why

Prashant Kishor, a well-known poll strategist, has predicted a victory for the BJP in the ongoing elections. In an exclusive interview with NDTV, Kishor credited the BJP for changing the election conversation from merely crossing the halfway mark in the Lok Sabha to aiming for 370 seats. He noted that failing to reach this ambitious target could disappoint the stock market.

Why might the stock market be disappointed?
"When expectations for a company are high and it fails to meet them despite good performance, the stock market punishes it. Similarly, if the BJP scores less than 370 seats, it might become a significant talking point and affect the markets," Kishor explained.


Why BJP's target of 370 seats is a “smart move”?
Kishor, who had previously worked with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP during the 2014 elections, said that the BJP's target of 370 seats is a “smart move”. This strategy has shifted the election focus.

"In the last three to four months, the discussion has been around '370' and '400 seats.' Whether it's due to BJP's strategy or the Opposition's weakness, the goalpost has shifted from 272 to 370. This benefits the BJP. Now, no one is saying Modi ji will lose; they are saying they might not get 370 seats," he said.

Will the BJP still form the government if they don't reach 370 seats?
Despite this, Kishor mentioned that even if the BJP gets 320 seats or any number less than 370, they will still form the government. In the 543-seat Lok Sabha, a party or coalition needs to cross the halfway mark of 272 seats to form the government at the center.