The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leadership has harshly criticized the Congress party for its decision to abstain from participating in TV debates regarding exit polls. This move comes ahead of the seventh and final phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, with results due on June 4.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah accused the Congress of being in a “denial mode” since Rahul Gandhi began playing a significant role in the party’s affairs. “Exit polls have been happening for a long time but, because of the defeat, they don’t know how to explain and that’s why they are boycotting. Since Rahul Gandhi has taken charge of Congress, they are in denial mode,” Shah stated. He emphasized that despite BJP’s own losses in the past, they have never boycotted the media or exit polls.

BJP President J P Nadda echoed Shah’s sentiments, claiming that the Congress’ refusal to engage in exit poll debates is an “unequivocal confirmation” that the opposition party has conceded the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. In a post on X, Nadda urged voters not to waste their votes on the Congress in the upcoming final phase of polling. “Their hypocrisy is not lost on anyone. Let no one in Phase 7 waste their vote on them,” Nadda wrote.

BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya also weighed in, suggesting that the Congress should remain in their “bunkers” on June 4, as the actual results might be even more unfavorable than what exit polls predict. “Congress concedes Lok Sabha 2024 on the eve of Phase 7 polling. It may not be a bad idea for the Congress to stay in their bunkers on 4th Jun too, since results are likely to more brutal than what exit pollsters may have to say. Good luck,” Malviya posted on X.

The BJP’s remarks follow a statement from Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera, who announced that the party would abstain from participating in exit poll debates to avoid speculation and media slugfests for TRP. “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,” Khera said in a statement shared on social media. He added that the Congress would engage in debates after the official results are declared.

Earlier today, in an interview with NDTV, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge expressed confidence that the Congress, along with its allies in the INDIA bloc, would prevent the BJP from securing a third consecutive term. “From the reports we have received, we are sure that we will stop BJP from coming back to power. We believe that Congress has already crossed the 100-seat mark and are hoping to win 128 seats,” Kharge stated. He also expressed his preference for Rahul Gandhi as the next Prime Minister, citing his representation of youth and the nation.