Announcement Congress announces boycott of exit poll debate The remarks drew a strong backlash from the BJP on Friday, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah accusing the Indian National Congress of being in “denial mode”.
The controversy began when AICC media and public relations director Pawan Khera wrote on X, “Statement on reasons for not taking part in the #ExitPolls. The voters have voted and the verdict is set. The results will be out on June 4. Till then, we see no reason to indulge in speculations and fierce battles for TRPs.”
Indian National Congress will not take part in any debate on #ExitPolls. Any debate should be aimed at informing the people. We are happy to take part in the debate after June 4.”
Home Minister Amit Shah reacted with a strong statement: “It is not new that Congress will boycott the debate on exit polls tomorrow.. Congress has been in denial mode for a long time. They maintained throughout the election that they had a majority. Now they know that the exit polls will show them a crushing defeat. So they are denying that exit polls will even take place.”
Shah further said, “Exit polls have been going on for a long time but this time we are boycotting them as we are unable to explain the reasons for our defeat. Also, ever since Rahul Gandhi rose to the core of the Congress party, the party has been in denial mode. They are questioning the Supreme Court, they are questioning the Election Commission. Instead of discussing it in Parliament, they are running away. They are mocking the constitutional position and questioning institutions too. I think the Congress has been in denial mode ever since Rahul Gandhi rose to the core of any institution. That is why we are boycotting the exit polls. I would like to say to Congress leaders, being an ostrich will not help. Face defeat with courage, introspect and move forward. The BJP has also lost many elections but it has never boycotted the media or exit polls. I am sure any exit poll will materialise BJP’s over 400 slogans on the ground.”
BJP leader JP Nadda also wrote on X, “The Congress’ decision to not take part in the exit polls on the eve of the seventh phase of voting is a clear indication that it has conceded defeat in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The Congress usually abstains from voting if they do not expect the results to be in their favour, but will not hesitate to cast their vote if they see even the slightest chance. Their hypocrisy is for all to see. The voters of the seventh phase should not waste their vote by voting for them…But what is more disturbing is the Congress’s antipathy towards the world’s largest democratic process in which over 960 million aspirants participated. While the people of India were electing leaders who would lead them in a new world order, improving their lives and bringing opportunities and prosperity, the Congress was working hard to undermine the very institutional process on which our robust democracy rests.”
© Indian Express Ltd.
First uploaded: January 6, 2024, 3:36 AM