Bhopal, November 21: The satta market in Bhopal is ringing in favour of the prime Opposition - Congress - with barely a week left for the high-stake Madhya Pradesh assembly elections 2018. As per the latest indicators emerging from betting circles, the BJP is predicted to suffer a rout.

Nearly three weeks ago, on October 27, the bookies were rooting for a simple-majority win for the BJP. The tides have turned in favour of Congress by November 20, reported TOI, adding that the satta bazaar is hopeful of the Kamal Nath-led unit to cross the 116-majority mark. MP Elections: Muslim Candidates Shrink Further Vis-a-Vis 2013, Congress Names 3, BJP 1.

Till the last month, the bookies were promising a return of Rs 11,000 on those who place Rs 10,000 for a BJP win. Whereas, those who put Rs 4,000 on the Congress were lured with Rs 10,000 if the party ends up returning to power.

In what reflects a reversal in trends, the bookies are now promising to double any amount put on BJP if the party wins more than 102 seats, whereas, those betting on Congress will get double if it emerges victorious in more than 116 constituencies.

The satta market trends are based on betting patterns and may be grossly incorrect as compared to the ground realities. Notably, placing bets or organising such rackets are penal offences, with at least two cases being registered in Bhopal so far in this polling season. The police are yet to apprehend those pulling the strings behind the racket.

In the single-phase assembly elections scheduled on November 28, a total of 230 seats will be contested. The primary battle is between the Congress and the BJP, while the BSP, Samajwadi Party, AAAP and other non-aligned parties expected to play spoiler in some seats. The results would be announced by the Election Commission on December 11.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 21, 2018 03:32 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).