Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], June 8 (ANI): Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram highlighted the performance of the INDIA bloc in Tamil Nadu and said that the Congress-DMK have secured a resounding victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
"In Tamil Nadu, from INDIA alliance Congress - DMK has swept the elections with 100/100. We thank Tamil Nadu & Pondicherry people," Chidambaram said during a press conference in Chennai on Friday.
Comparing BJP's performance with the INDIA bloc, Chidambaram stressed that the INDIA bloc has performed better in this Lok Sabha polls, whereas, the BJP has faced a big reduction in its numbers from the actual target.
"Nationwide INDIA alliance has won 234 constituencies. This is not simple numbers but on the other hand, BJP faces a big reduction in their numbers from their actual target," Chidambaram said in a press conference.
Chidambaram further criticized Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for their claims of "400 Paar" during the polling.
"During polling Amit Shah and Modi have been saying they crossed 300 and are on their target towards 400. Now it has proved how much lies are," Chidambaram said.
Comparing Prime Minister Modi to India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, Chidambaram rejected any parallels, citing Nehru's substantial electoral victories.
"PM Modi in his speech compared himself with Jawaharlal Nehru. Modi got 282, 303, 240. Whereas Jawaharlal Nehru got 361, 374, 364. We are just rejecting the comparison of PM
He also launched a scathing attack on the BJP and NDA, alleging manipulation of exit polls ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony, set to take place on June 9.
Chidambaram accused the BJP of orchestrating false exit polls, claiming that media channels were instructed to project inflated figures for the BJP-led NDA.
"Exit polls were pre-prepared. All Channels were asked to lie as 350 - 400 as BJP alliance numbers. The BJP tried to fool the people. Beyond everything now people have taught them humility," Chidambaram said during a press conference.
"Modi with Jawaharlal Nehru. Nation people also will reject such comparisons," Chidambaram said.
Notably, as per the Election Commission of India (ECI) data, the DMK won 22 out of the 39 seats in Tamil Nadu while the BJP was left with nil.
The seat position of the DMK allies as per the ECI data are Congress (9), Communist Party of India (2), Communist Party of India - Marxist (2), Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (2), Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and Indian Union Muslim League one each.
According to the Election Commission of India, the BJP won 240 seats, much lower than its 2019 tally of 303. The Congress, on the other hand, registered a strong improvement, winning 99 seats. While the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance won 292 seats, the INDIA bloc crossed the 230 mark, posing stiff competition, and defying all predictions. (ANI)
