'Not exit poll, it's Modi's fantasy poll…': Rahul
What's the story
A day after exit polls predicted a massive victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party in the Lok Sabha election, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has termed the exercise Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "fantasy poll." Gandhi said that the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance would secure 295 out of the 543 Lok Sabha seats, less than 48 hours before counting begins on Tuesday.
Context
Why does this story matter?
Exit polls have forecast a remarkable win for the BJP, with certain pollsters suggesting that the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance could surpass the 400-seat mark—a goal highlighted by the party's 'ab ki baar 400 par' slogan. Most pollsters have predicted that the INDIA bloc would secure around 130-160 seats. However, it's important to note that exit polls are not always accurate.
Doubts raised
INDIA bloc leaders question exit poll predictions
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav have also joined Gandhi in questioning the exit poll predictions. Kharge, after a meeting of INDIA bloc leaders on Saturday, said that the bloc will win more than 295 seats based on a "people's survey." Yadav suggested that these predictions were prepared months in advance to benefit BJP supporters in the share market.
Confidence voiced
BJP expresses confidence amid INDIA bloc's skepticism
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri expressed confidence in a BJP victory, predicting that they will secure 350 seats and that the NDA will approach or surpass the 400 seat mark. In response to Kharge's prediction, Puri dismissed it as part of a "drawing room conversation," questioning its impact on his credibility.
Rejection and prediction
AAP leader rejects exit poll results
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Somnath Bharti rejected the exit poll results, stating he would "shave his head" if Modi is re-elected as Prime Minister. Bharti expressed confidence in an INDIA bloc victory and predicted that the AAP-Congress alliance will form a government in Delhi. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also claimed that the opposition alliance is set to win more than 295 seats in the Lok Sabha polls.