New Delhi, India

Amit Shah, India's home minister from the ruling Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP), criticised Congress for distancing themselves from Exit Poll debates ahead of the Lok Sabha 2024 election results. 

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The BJP is confident of clinching a historic third term under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the elections.

After senior Congress leader Pawan Khera made the announcement about avoiding exit poll debates, Amit Shah and BJP chief JP Nadda said it appears the Opposition has already conceded defeat.

Shah, in a post on X, said, "Congress has come to know about its huge defeat, so with what face will it face the media and the public now? Therefore, Congress is running away from the exit polls. I want to tell the Congress party not to run away, face the defeat and introspect".

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Meanwhile, Nadda raised objection to the decision taken by Congress and said, "It doesn't behove India's Grand Old Party to behave like a child, whose toy has been taken away. One expects a certain level of maturity from the largest political party in the Opposition".

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He added that Congress "opts out" when it is not expecting that the results will turn out in their favour. However, he added that the party always shows up if it is expecting even the slightest chance of a positive result.

"Their hypocrisy is not lost on anyone. Let no one in Phase 7 waste their votes on them," Nadda said. 

He added that the Congress, by boycotting Exit Polls, has questioned the rigorous exercise which is being carried out by several professional agencies who are working tirelessly to compile the figures.

Here's what Congress said regarding Exit Polls

Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera earlier said that once the voting ends, the parties won't gain anything from speculation.

"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, posted on X.

Watch: India General Elections Phase 7: Final phase of voting begins, 57 constituencies go to polls

"The Indian National Congress will not participate in the debates on Exit Polls. The purpose of any debate should be to inform the people. We will happily partake in debates 4th June onwards," he added.

The voting is being held on 57 seats across seven states and one Union Territory in the seventh and final phase of the Lok Sabha elections 2024. The counting of votes will be held on Tuesday (June 4).

(With inputs from agencies)