 "BJP")
The exit polls on the Bihar election may be sharply divided over the question of the next party to take charge in the state, the BJP-led NDA or the Nitish Kumar-led Grand Alliance, but the former has already started preparing for its victory celebrations at its 11 Ashoka Road headquarters here.
A visit to the BJP headquarters a day before the results revealed a pace of frenetic activity different from other days. From leaders to party cadres, everyone was busy preparing for D-Day while exchanging views on the outcome of the poll.
The results will be known on Sunday.
Colourful tents have been put up in the backyard of the property adjoining the BJP headquarters, and party cadres and leaders were seen rushing around, making arrangements.
Though party workers said arrangements were being made to accommodate members for watching the results together and participating in television debates, the underlying celebratory sentiment could not be hidden.
"LCD screens are being put up and high tea will be provided," said a worker who was busy making the arrangements.
"We were confused till yesterday despite the prediction by Today's Chanakya. But when NDTV predicted an NDA government, we became sure of victory," said an official.
Senior BJP leaders, however, said their confidence was based on their reading of the ground reality in Bihar.
"We don't believe in exit polls. We have worked hard on the ground and expect a decisive mandate of two-thirds majority. We got support from every section of the society," BJP general secretary Arun Singh told IANS.
Another general secretary Anil Jain said, "Exits polls have done their work. But our internal assessment is that NDA will get at least 140 seats."
A leader, said to be one of the BJP backroom boys deployed in Bihar, said: "When NDTV is giving us a majority, then the wind seems to be blowing in our favour. Other than this, the reason behind our confidence about winning is because most of the backward class and youth voters of Bihar have supported BJP."
Whether the BJP's celebratory mood will continue would be clear before noon on Sunday.
(Brajendra Nath Singh can be contacted at brajendra.n@ians.in)
