D.K. Shivakumar Dismisses Bihar Exit Polls, Expresses Confidence in Mahagathbandhan’s Victory

Bengaluru, Nov 2025 : Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Wednesday dismissed the exit polls predicting a victory for the NDA in the Bihar Assembly elections, saying he has never placed faith in such surveys.

“I don’t believe in exit polls. Even in Karnataka, I didn’t believe them,” Shivakumar told reporters in Bengaluru. “There are many things to discuss. We have hopes that the Mahagathbandhan will win.”

Reiterating his belief that people in Bihar are seeking change, he said, “The people want change, and I believe they have supported the INDIA alliance. I have never believed in exit polls — that has been my experience, and they have often been proven wrong.”

Calling himself a “practical politician,” Shivakumar added, “I have confidence that the Mahagathbandhan will return to power. I believe in the people of Bihar.”

‘Let the Actual Results Speak’

Admitting that he has not personally visited Bihar, Shivakumar said he had heard from his friends that there is a strong wave of enthusiasm among voters. “Let’s wait for a day. I never believed in exit polls — not even when they showed results in our favour. Let the actual results come,” he remarked.

He also reminded reporters that similar predictions had been proven wrong in Karnataka. “The media never said that the Congress would come to power in Karnataka. Yet, we won with a clear majority,” he said. “Even during the bypolls, the media predicted that Congress wouldn’t win. Let those who conduct exit polls say whatever they want — leave it. The people will either bless us or reject us; that’s the beauty of democracy.”

‘Victory and Defeat Are Part of Politics’

Shivakumar emphasized that political success and failure are both natural outcomes in a democracy. “Who hasn’t faced defeat? Everyone wins and loses at some point,” he said, adding that the Congress’s focus remains on governance and development, not predictions.

When asked whether the Bihar election outcome might influence Karnataka’s political landscape, Shivakumar, who is also the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President, dismissed any such impact.

“There is no need for any discussion on that,” he said firmly. “It will have no impact on Karnataka politics. Karnataka is leading in development and social change. Our government is committed to the economic upliftment of people, discipline, and dedication.”

On Leadership and Party Unity

Reacting to Minister Zameer Ahmad Khan’s statement that Shivakumar would become Chief Minister in 2028 and that there would be no leadership change during the current term, the Deputy Chief Minister responded with composure.

“That’s good. What’s wrong with his statement?” Shivakumar said with a smile. “The Chief Minister is very much in position — let him continue. We are not unhappy about it. We are working together. We are united and will continue to stay united.”

He also clarified that his recent visit to Delhi was not political. “I didn’t meet any of the Union Ministers,” he stated.

Calls for Accountability on National Security

Commenting on the recent Red Fort blast, Shivakumar described it as a “serious issue” that calls for vigilance and accountability. “The Government of India must ensure the safety of this country,” he said. “Ultimately, we want results — they have to deliver. Many failures have occurred, and many lives have been lost. We must be careful.”

Responding to Congress leaders demanding the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Shivakumar concluded briefly: “Let’s all join the voice.”