Congress Gears Up for Counting Day Amid Exit Poll Controversy

Preparations at Congress headquarters indicate optimism for the INDIA bloc's victory in the Lok Sabha polls, despite exit polls favoring BJP-led NDA. Congress deems these polls 'bogus' and predicts a win with 295 seats, calling out Prime Minister Modi for 'psychological games' to influence voter sentiment.

Preparations at the Congress headquarters suggested a sense of optimism on Monday as the party geared up for the June 4 counting day. Supporters were seen making arrangements for what they believe will be a celebration of the INDIA bloc's triumph in the Lok Sabha polls, despite exit polls indicating a different outcome.

Tent-poles and giant coolers were set up in the sprawling premises of the Congress' 24, Akbar Road headquarters. Most exit polls have forecasted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will secure a third consecutive term, with the BJP-led NDA expected to win a significant majority in the Lok Sabha elections.

While some exit polls have projected the NDA securing more than 400 seats, with most predicting over 350, far surpassing the majority mark of 272 seats needed to form the government, the Congress has dismissed these predictions as 'bogus.' On Sunday, the party termed them a 'deliberate attempt to justify rigging' and part of 'psychological games' orchestrated by Prime Minister Modi to demoralize INDIA bloc workers. 'This is not an exit poll but a 'Modi media poll.' It's Modi’s fantasy poll,' said former Congress president Rahul Gandhi. The Congress leaders maintain that the INDIA bloc will secure 295 seats and form the government.