Hopeful that results will be totally opposite to exit polls: Sonia Gandhi

New Delhi: Congress leader Sonia Gandhi is very optimistic regarding the upcoming Lok Sabha election results, suggesting they will starkly contrast with the exit polls. "We have to wait, just wait and see," Gandhi said when asked about her expectations for the results scheduled to be announced on Tuesday. "We are very hopeful that our results are completely opposite to what the exit polls are showing," she added.

Sonia Gandhi made these remarks after attending an event at the DMK office, where she paid tribute to DMK stalwart M. Karunanidhi on his 100th birth anniversary.

Most exit polls have predicted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will retain power for a third consecutive term, with the BJP-led NDA expected to secure a substantial majority in the Lok Sabha. While some exit polls forecast the NDA winning more than 400 seats, most predict over 350 seats, well above the majority mark of 272 needed to form the government.

The Congress and other I.N.D.I.A. bloc parties have dismissed these exit polls as "fantasy," asserting that the opposition alliance will form the next government. "This is not called an exit poll but its name is 'Modi media poll'. This is Modi ji's poll, it is his fantasy poll," former Congress president Rahul Gandhi commented on Sunday. Congress leaders have claimed that the I.N.D.I.A. bloc will win 295 seats and form the government.

Earlier, at the event marking Karunanidhi's 100th birth anniversary, Sonia Gandhi remarked, "It's my pleasure to be here with my colleagues from the DMK on the very auspicious occasion of the 100th anniversary of Dr Kalaignar Karunanidhi." She reflected on her interactions with Karunanidhi, saying, "I had the good fortune of meeting him on many occasions, listening to what he had to say and benefiting from his words of wisdom and advice. I feel fortunate to have met him," and extended her best wishes to those present.

As the nation awaits the final results, the political climate remains charged with anticipation and speculation.