India, May 22 -- Most exit polls have predicted a clear majority for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) but this hasn't stopped the Opposition from going ahead with its plans of forming a non-BJP coalition to stake claim to power. Opposition leaders, including West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, have pooh-poohed the exit poll predictions, claiming they were all wrong. Congress leaders in private have rubbished them pointing out that the pollsters had gone wrong in 2004. It is this hope that is keeping the unity move going forward.

Opposition parties are preparing for a 1996 (United Front) or 2004 (UPA) post-poll scenario, expecting a hung Parliament. The Opposition unity efforts gained momentum this past week and is continui...