Malviya’s comments came in response to Congress leader Pawan Khera’s statement that the party would abstain from participating in Lok Sabha exit poll debates on TV to refrain from engaging in speculation and slugfest for TRP
The top leadership of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has slammed the Congress for skipping TV debates in the wake of exit polls, saying that it might be wise for the party to “stay in their bunkers” on June 4. Taking a swipe at Rahul Gandhi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the Congress has been in a “denial mode” since he began playing a key role in its affairs.
“Exit polls have been happening for a long time but, because of the defeat, they don’t know how to explain and that’s why they are boycotting. Since Rahul Gandhi has taken charge of Congress, they are in denial mode,” Shah said. “The BJP has lost many polls but has never boycotted the media or exit polls,” he added.
BJP president J P Nadda claimed that the Congress’ decision to not participate in exit poll debates amounts to an “unequivocal confirmation” that the opposition party has conceded the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. In a post on X, he asked voters not to waste their votes in the seventh and last phase of the polls on Saturday as the Congress usually opts out when it doesn’t expect favourable results but has no compunction showing up if it thinks it has even an outside chance. “Their hypocrisy is not lost on anyone. Let no one in Phase 7 waste their vote on them,” he said.
“Congress concedes Lok Sabha 2024 on the eve of Phase 7 polling. It may not be a bad idea for the Congress to stay in their bunkers on 4th Jun too, since results are likely to more brutal than what exit pollsters may have to say. Good luck,” BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya said in a post on X.
Malviya’s comments came in response to Congress spokesperson and media department chairperson Pawan Khera’s statement that the party would abstain from participating in Lok Sabha exit poll debates on TV to refrain from engaging in speculation and slugfest for TRP.
“The results will be out on 4th June. Prior to that, we do not see any reason to indulge in speculation and slugfest for TRP,” Khera said in a statement shared on social media. “The Indian National Congress will not participate in the debates on Exit Polls. The purpose of any debate should be to inform the people. We will happily partake in debates from 4th June onwards,” he added.
Read More: Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Exit Polls: When and where to watch, and a bit of history
Earlier today in an interview with NDTV, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge expressed confidence that the Congress, along with other parties in the INDIA bloc, will prevent the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from winning a third consecutive term. “From the reports we have received, we are sure that we will stop BJP from coming back to power. We believe that Congress has already crossed the 100-seat mark and are hoping to win 128 seats,” Kharge stated.
During the interview, the senior leader also expressed his preference for Rahul Gandhi as the next Prime Minister if the INDIA bloc alliance wins the Lok Sabha elections, stating that he represents the youth and the entire country. The voting for the seventh and final phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections is set for June 1, while the counting and results will be out on June 4.
(With inputs from agencies)
