Congress Opts Out of Lok Sabha Exit Poll Debates, Citing Avoidance of Speculation
NEW DELHI: The Congress has decided not to participate in any Lok Sabha exit poll debate on television channels on Saturday evening at the conclusion of the last phase of polling. The party said that it did not want to indulge in speculation and slugfest for rating points among TV channels.
Making the accouncement, Congress spoksperson and media department chairperson Pawan Khera said that the voters had cast their votes and their verdict has been secured.
“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 (sic),” he said in a statement shared on X.
“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,” Khera said in a statement.
The decision was taken after consultations within the party, sources said.
Reacting to the decision, BJP president J.P. Nadda claimed tht it amounted to an “unequivocal confirmation” that the Opposition party had conceded the elections.
In a post on X, Nadda 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.
Nadda retorted, “Congress's decision is an unequivocal confirmation that the Congress has conceded the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.”
