New Delhi [India], June 1 (ANI): After the Congress party took a U-turn and said it would be participating in the exit poll debates, party leader Pawan Khera expressed confidence in gaining a minimum of 295 seats by the INDIA bloc. He also asserted that the alliance will expose the BJP ecosystem and the 'sarkari exit polls.'
Speaking with ANI, Pawan Khera said, "Yes, we are absolutely confident of our numbers. INDIA bloc will be getting a minimum of 295 seats."
The Congress leader talked about exposing the BJP ecosystem and 'sarkari exit polls' and said, "We decided that this is 'Janta ka poll' and we should take it to the television channels and expose the BJP ecosystem and the 'sarkari exit polls' that will be shown today."
Khera also took a jibe at Union Home Minister Amit Shah and said, "We wanted to celebrate on the 4th (June 4). If Amit Shah wants to celebrate on June 1, then let him celebrate. We will celebrate on June 4."
Earlier, taking to his official X post, Pawan Khera had posted, "INDIA parties met and decided to expose the BJP and its ecosystem on the prefixed exit polls. After considering factors for and against participating in the exit polls, it has been decided by consensus that all the INDIA parties will participate in the exit poll debates on television this evening."
The exit polls will come out after voting in the last phase of elections concludes on June 1.
Leaders from Congress, Samajwadi Party, CPI-M, CPI, DMK, JMM, AAP, RJD, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (Sharad Pawar) gathered at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's residence for discussions as the final phase of polling is underway.
The meeting was held on the polling day of the last phase of the Lok Sabha polls. The counting of votes will be held on June 4.
TMC chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had already said she would not attend the meeting due to the polls in the state and to review the impact of cyclone Remal. PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti also skipped the meeting.
The Lok Sabha elections are being held across seven phases. While the first six phases are over, the last phase is scheduled for June 1. A total of 57 constituencies from eight states and UTs will be voting in the last phase. The counting of votes will be held on June 4.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led BJP is aiming to return to power for a third straight term, while the Opposition under the umbrella of the INDIA bloc is trying to wrest power from the ruling party. (ANI)
