File pic: Rahul Gandhi campaigning
New Delhi:
Amid predictions of a humiliating defeat, the Congress today announced that it will not participate in debates on exit polls, which will start airing on television channels starting 6 pm, when voting in the world's largest election ends. (India Sets New Record for Voter Turnout at Over 66%)
"In keeping with our tradition, we won't participate in these exit polls. The last time, exit polls gave us 68 seats less than what we got," Congress spokesperson Shakeel Ahmad today said.
Polls in 2004 and 2009 famously overestimated the BJP-led coalition's seat share.
The Congress campaign has been fronted by Rahul Gandhi, 43, but the party today appeared to suggest that the outcome will not be seen as a verdict on his abilities.
"Rahul Gandhi is not in the government. All of us should be accountable," said the spokesperson. But he added, "We will have great results and all of you will be surprised."
The BJP, led by its prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi, is expected to score the most number of seats, but it is not clear yet whether the party will land a clean majority, which would allow it to form the government without signing more than the 25 allies it fought the elections with. (Narendra Modi blogs on the conclusion of 2014 Lok Sabha Elections)
Opinion polls indicate that voters will punish the Congress for massive corruption scandals, inflation and a sharp economic slowdown.
"In keeping with our tradition, we won't participate in these exit polls. The last time, exit polls gave us 68 seats less than what we got," Congress spokesperson Shakeel Ahmad today said.
Polls in 2004 and 2009 famously overestimated the BJP-led coalition's seat share.
The Congress campaign has been fronted by Rahul Gandhi, 43, but the party today appeared to suggest that the outcome will not be seen as a verdict on his abilities.
"Rahul Gandhi is not in the government. All of us should be accountable," said the spokesperson. But he added, "We will have great results and all of you will be surprised."
The BJP, led by its prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi, is expected to score the most number of seats, but it is not clear yet whether the party will land a clean majority, which would allow it to form the government without signing more than the 25 allies it fought the elections with. (Narendra Modi blogs on the conclusion of 2014 Lok Sabha Elections)
Opinion polls indicate that voters will punish the Congress for massive corruption scandals, inflation and a sharp economic slowdown.
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