Congress announced that it will now participate in the exit poll debates, reversing its previous decision to abstain from them, which it had described as “speculation and fighting for the PRT.” This decision came after a meeting with the INDIA block parties on Saturday, coinciding with the last day of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, ANI reported.
Party spokesperson Pawan Khera claimed that INDIA bloc parties have decided to “expose” the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its “ecosystem” in connection with the “pre-fixed exit polls”.
“The parties in INDIA met and agreed to expose the BJP and its entourage through predetermined exit polls. After evaluating the pros and cons of participating in the exit polls, it was unanimously determined that all parties in INDIA would participate in the exit poll debates on television tonight,” Khera declared on X.
According to the report, exit polls will be published when voting ends on June 1.
Lok Sabha elections are held in seven phases. While the first six phases have already been completed, the final phase is scheduled for June 1, with voting taking place in 57 constituencies across eight states and union territories. Votes will be counted on June 4.
Earlier on Friday, Khera stated: “Our statement on the reasons for not participating in #ExitPolls. Voters have cast their votes and their verdict is certain. The results will be published on June 4. Before that, we see no reason to participate in speculations and fights over TRP. The Indian National Congress has decided not to participate in the #ExitPolls debate. The objective of each argument should be to inform the public. We will gladly participate in the debates that will begin on June 4.
Meanwhile, the opposition-led Inclusive National India Development Alliance (INDIA) coalition is meeting at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence in Delhi, the report claimed.
Leaders of Congress, Samajwadi Party, CPI-M, CPI, DMK, JMM, AAP, RJD, Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (Sharad Pawar) gathered at Kharge’s house for discussions as the last phase of the vote.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP is aiming to secure a third consecutive term in power, while the opposition, united under the INDIA bloc, seeks to challenge the ruling party’s dominance.