The BJP is seems to be in upbeat today as few hours after the Election Commission of India announcing election schedule for five assemblies, the India Today- Axis My India pre-poll predicted the absolute majority for the party in the largest state Uttar Pradesh. But surprisingly, one third of voters- 33 per cent want incumbent Akhilesh Yadav should return as Chief Minister.

Despite the demonetisation blues, the survey asserts that the BJP is set to increase its votes by 2 per cent and bags 33 per cent votes if the Assembly elections were to be held today. Interestingly, BJP was poised to get 31 per cent votes in October, ie before demonetisation.

The survey also indicated that vote percentage would translate to 206 to 216 seats, which is a clear majority in 403-seat UP Assembly. The ruling Samajwadi Party is likely to emerge as the second largest party with a vote share of 26 per cent in the latest survey, translating into 92-97 seats. This was before the split in the SP. The split might further hit the chances of the SP.

Mayavathi’s BSP is likely to win 79-85 seats and remain a close third. Despite all the hullabaloo the Congress might get just 6-7 per cent votes. The BSP might not get the support of the upper castes this time. Surprisingly, an overwhelming 76% of the sample backed demonetisation.