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While every survey in the past few weeks gave the Congress a clear majority in the state, there have been many skeptics. Today, they described it as a ‘‘very close contest’’, with some even hinting at a hung Assembly, highlighting the role of rebel candidates and Independents.

This time, the Congress is rubbishing the polls while the BJP can’t stop talking about it. ‘‘We didn’t take the surveys seriously earlier and we don’t take them seriously now,’’ says an upbeat Congress spokesperson Raghu Sharma. ‘‘The voting percentage is likely to settle at over 60 per cent and that is a good indication for us. In fact, we have a rough analysis of each seat and we will form the government.’’

BJP vice-president Onkar Singh Lakhawat scoffs at the claim. ‘‘If only they had listened to us,’’ he says confidently. ‘‘We were always confident of getting at least 100 seats. Now it seems we may get much more — a clear majority.’’

The highest-ever voter turnout of 63.49 was recorded in 1998. Then, the Congress won 153 seats by polling 44.87 per cent votes. With a two-third majority, it replaced Bhairon Singh Shekhawat. The BJP could muster only 33 seats polling 33.31 per cent votes. This time, it is looking to regain power, banking primarily on anti-incumbency and the Jat factor.

The Congress is looking to stay in power, with a reduced majority, and is counting on its effective drought management and bemisaal paanch saal in power.

But the fate of 1,541 candidates, hoping to walk into the 200-seat Vidhan Sabha, will be known only on December 4 after re-polling in about 12 seats is completed on December 3.