As the first phase of elections in Jammu and Kashmir has concluded, the landscape is rife with speculation, assumptions, and, unsurprisingly, exit polls. These exit polls, often touted as barometers of public sentiment, seem to offer a divergent picture depending on who is consulted. Every political party and candidate, after the voting ends, tends to rush to their polling agents to gather an idea of their chances. However, what has emerged in this post-election phase is a cacophony of exit polls that appear more self-serving than insightful.
From one exit poll showing PDP securing more seats than NC-Congress to another predicting the exact opposite, and yet another proclaiming independent candidates as the real contenders—there is a flood of conflicting information. The adage “jitne mounh, utni baatain” (as many mouths, as many opinions) fits perfectly here. These projections seem less like unbiased forecasts and more like tools designed to confuse and manipulate.
Exit polls are, in essence, speculative exercises. However, in the charged political atmosphere of Jammu and Kashmir, these exit polls serve a different purpose. Instead of providing clarity, they seem to be aimed at influencing the remaining phases of voting. The goal is simple: confuse voters in regions where polling is still pending. By creating an illusion of dominance or impending victory, political parties hope to sway undecided voters or demoralize their opponents’ supporters.
This tactic is neither new nor unexpected, but it is a reminder that voters need to approach exit polls with skepticism. These polls are often manufactured to suit specific narratives, not to reflect the actual ground reality. They are tools of exploitation rather than enlightenment, used to push agendas rather than inform the public.
In such times, it is crucial for voters to remain focused on their priorities. The responsibility to vote lies with each individual, and that decision should be based on personal convictions, the issues that matter most to them, and the track record of the candidates and parties in question. Falling prey to rumors, manipulated data, or politically driven exit polls only dilutes the democratic process.
So, as the elections in Jammu and Kashmir move forward, voters must make informed decisions, not based on exit polls or political noise, but on what they believe is best for their community and the region. In the end, real change happens not through rumors but through thoughtful, deliberate action at the ballot box.
