As the seventh and final phase of the Lok Sabha elections approaches on June 1, the 'Satta' markets have seen a surge in betting activity, reflecting the high stakes of this electoral contest. Latest projections suggest a shift in the political landscape, with the BJP now expected to secure 290 out of 543 seats, down from earlier predictions of 300 seats. This would still grant the BJP a majority, but it highlights a significant shift in the electoral dynamics.
Phalodi, a small town in the Jodhpur district of Rajasthan renowned as a hub for election-related betting or the satta bazaar, has adjusted its bets accordingly. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is now projected to win between 340 and 350 seats, a figure below the two-thirds majority mark. Meanwhile, the Congress party is expected to capture around 50-51 seats.
The FPJ has not been able to independently verify these projections, but sources within the betting circles attribute this shift to several factors, including intra-NDA negotiations, lower voter turnout, and the recent Supreme Court verdict on electoral bonds.
In the satta market, the current rate for the BJP winning 300-303 seats is 1:1, meaning a bet of Rs 1 would yield a profit of Rs 1. For the BJP to secure 320 seats, the rate is set at 2.25, indicating higher risk and potential profit – a Rs 100 bet would result in a profit of Rs 225. According to sources, bets placed significantly above or below these standard rates are less popular in this election cycle.
Beyond Phalodi Bazar, numerous independent predictions are circulating online, some of which suggest that the ruling NDA could surpass 400 seats. This wide range of predictions underscores the uncertainty and high stakes surrounding the final phase of the elections.
