Exit polls predict Congress returning to power

Finally, the polling is over, and the game of predicting who will form the next government has begun.

Leaders of all major as well as regionl parties are busy these days, engaged in closed door meetings with prospective allies, with bohomie writ all over among even bitter pre-poll foes to gather the necessary support to form the government at the centre.

How relible these pollsters are will be known when official results will be released on Saturday.

Most polsters widely believe that of the 543 seats at stake, the ruling Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) has an edge over the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance.

According to exit polls conducted by leading television channels, the Congress is expected to get around 155 seats and finish marginally ahead of the BJP, which is projected to win around 143 seats.

If this comes true, the president will be expected to invite Congress to form the government.