01 June,2024 06:48 PM IST | Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
INDIA bloc leaders at Mallikarjun Kharge`s home in Delhi/ Screengrab
The Congress announced it will now participate in exit poll debates, reversing its previous decision to abstain from them, which it had termed as "speculation and a slugfest for TRP." This decision followed a meeting with the INDIA bloc parties on Saturday, coinciding with the last day of polling in the Lok Sabha elections 2024, reported ANI.
Party spokesperson Pawan Khera stated that the INDIA bloc parties have resolved to "expose" the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its "ecosystem" concerning the "prefixed exit polls."
"INDIA parties convened and agreed to expose the BJP and its environment through predetermined exit polls. After evaluating the pros and drawbacks of participating in the exit polls, it was unanimously determined that all of the INDIA parties would participate in the exit poll debates on television this evening," Khera declared on X.
According to the report, exit polls will be issued when voting is completed on June 1.
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The Lok Sabha elections are being held in seven phases. While the first six phases have been finished, the final phase is set for June 1, with voting taking place in 57 constituencies across eight states and union territories. The votes will be counted on June 4.
Previously, on Friday, Khera stated, "Our statement on the rationale for not participating in #ExitPolls Voters have cast their votes, and their verdict is secure. The results will be released on June 4th. Prior to that, we see no reason to engage in speculation and slugfest about TRP. The Indian National Congress has decided not to participate in the #ExitPolls debate. The goal of every argument should be to inform the public. We will gladly participate in debates beginning June 4."
Meanwhile, the opposition-led Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) coalition is convening at Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's residence in Delhi, he report stated.
Leaders from the Congress, Samajwadi Party, CPI-M, CPI, DMK, JMM, AAP, RJD, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (Sharad Pawar) met at Kharge's home for discussions as the last phase of voting began.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's BJP aims to secure a third consecutive term in power, while the opposition, united under the INDIA bloc, seeks to challenge the ruling party's dominance.
