ECI’s Ban on Exit Poll Results to be Lifted at 6:30 PM Today
ECI’s Ban on Exit Poll Results to be Lifted at 6:30 PM Today
The Congress party has declared its abstention from engaging in Lok Sabha exit poll discussions on television networks.
1st June 2024
In just a few hours, the veil of anticipation surrounding the outcome of the highly contested election will be lifted as the Election Commission’s ban on the publication of exit polls comes to an end at 6:30 pm today. This moment will mark the unveiling of initial insights into the potential trajectory of this crucial electoral showdown.
Media outlets are to disseminate their findings from exit polls, providing a preliminary glimpse into the possible results of the election. Exit polls, conducted with voters immediately after they cast their ballots, serve as a tool for forecasting election outcomes before results are officially announced. With stakes running high, the release of these polls promises to offer invaluable insights into the unfolding electoral landscape.
The Congress party has declared its abstention from engaging in Lok Sabha exit poll discussions on television networks. Pawan Khera, the party’s spokesperson and head of the media department, stated that the voters have already exercised their democratic right and their decision has been recorded. He emphasised that the party finds no justification in engaging in conjecture and sensationalism for the sake of television ratings (TRP).
In a post on social media platform X, BJP president JP Nadda asserted that the Congress party’s choice signifies a clear acknowledgment of defeat in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Nadda urged voters not to squander their votes in the seventh and final phase of polling on Saturday. He argued that the Congress’s decision to abstain typically occurs when it anticipates unfavourable outcomes, yet readily participates when it perceives even a remote possibility of success.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrapped up his extensive Lok Sabha campaign with a rally in Hoshiarpur, Punjab. Since the Election Commission announced the poll schedule on 16th March, Modi has engaged in 206 public outreach events, exceeding the 145 engagements he had during the 2019 elections.
Across the 76-day campaign period, he visited all five southern states, with a focus on bolstering the BJP’s presence in regions where it has historically faced challenges. Modi’s vigorous campaign included rallies, roadshows and participation in 80 media interviews, showcasing his pivotal role as the BJP’s primary vote-getter. The impact of his campaign efforts will be unveiled on 4th June, upon the announcement of the election results.
In an endeavour to bolster the Congress party’s prospects in the Lok Sabha elections, key leaders Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra actively participated in over 100 public outreach events each. On the final day of campaigning for the seventh phase of voting, Rahul Gandhi rallied in Punjab, while Priyanka Gandhi led a roadshow in Solan, Himachal Pradesh. Kharge’s campaign efforts included over 100 rallies, more than 20 press conferences and in excess of 70 media engagements.
Rahul Gandhi participated in 107 rallies and significant events, while Priyanka Gandhi engaged in 108 public gatherings and roadshows, alongside numerous media appearances. Priyanka Gandhi directed her attention towards Rae Bareli and Amethi, campaigning across 16 states and one union territory.
While exit polls can provide valuable insights into voter sentiment, it is important not to place blind faith in their predictions. Recent years have seen notable instances where exit poll predictions have been incorrect. However, it is worth noting that the exit polls for the 2019 and 2014 Indian general elections came remarkably close to capturing the overall sentiment accurately.
In 2019, exit polls projected an average of 306 seats for the NDA and 120 seats for the UPA. However, the actual results deviated significantly from these predictions. The NDA outperformed expectations by securing 352 seats, with the BJP alone clinching 303 seats, while the UPA fell short with only 93 seats, with the Congress party securing 52 seats. Notably, India Today-Axis My India and News24-Today’s Chanakya exit polls both forecasted a substantial victory for the BJP, aligning closely with the eventual outcome.
In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured 303 seats, marking an increase of 21 seats compared to its 2014 tally. Meanwhile, the Congress party managed to secure only 52 seats. Other notable parties included the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and YSRCP, each winning 23 seats, followed by Mamata Banerjee’s TMC with 22 seats, Shiv Sena with 18 seats, JD(U) with 16 seats, BJD with 12 seats, BSP with 10 seats, SP and NCP with 5 seats each, and CPI(M) with 3 seats.
In the current scenario, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set ambitious targets for the NDA, aiming for over 400 seats, while the BJP specifically targets achieving more than 370 seats.
