Exit polls have been commercialised, will wait for actual results: Congress MP Manickam Tagore
Madurai, May 3
Congress MP Manickam Tagore on Sunday dismissed recent exit polls predicting the BJP's success in Assam and West Bengal, stressing the need to wait for actual election results.
Speaking to ANI, Tagore said that at present the exit polls are "commercialised" but praised the voter turnout in Tamil Nadu. He said that the increased voter turnout reflects the hope of greater impact in India's democracy.
"Exit polls are polls that have now been commercialised. Therefore, I don't believe in the exit polls... We should wait for the verdict of the people, and the people have given the verdict. It's time that we wait and know the results in 24 hours. In Tamil Nadu, turnout has increased. We hope that the youngsters... The way the youth and women have spoken, there is a hope that democracy in the country will have a greater impact. I hope that it will all help in the continued progress of Tamil Nadu," said Tagore.
His remarks come as several pollsters, including People Pulse, Matrize, and P-MARQ, have projected a comfortable majority for the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) in the 234-member Assembly. Most exit polls estimate the alliance securing between 120 and 145 seats, while the AIADMK-led NDA is projected to trail with 60 to 100 seats.
Tamil Nadu witnessed strong voter turnout in the recently concluded polls, with several districts recording high participation. According to the Election Commission of India, the overall turnout stood at 82.24 per cent, reflecting significant voter engagement across urban and rural constituencies.
The Assembly elections saw a direct contest between the DMK-led alliance, which includes the Congress and other regional parties, and the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). With counting scheduled for May 4.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Interesting how Tagore praises the voter turnout but dismisses exit polls. The youth and women of Tamil Nadu have indeed shown great enthusiasm - 82.24% is phenomenal! But let's be honest, every party does this dance. When polls favour you, you quote them; when they don't, you call them commercialised. Just saying.
As a Tamil Nadu voter, I appreciate Tagore's caution. Exit polls are like movie reviews - they can be bought and sold. But what's undeniable is the 82% turnout. Whether it's DMK or AIADMK, the real winner is our democracy. Counting day can't come soon enough! 🗳️
From a neutral perspective, Tagore makes a fair point. In India, exit polls have often been unreliable, especially in complex states like Tamil Nadu where regional dynamics change fast. The increased youth participation is a positive sign, regardless of who wins. Let the EC do its job.
Tagore ji is right about one thing - exit polls have become a business. But let's not forget that in 2021, many exit polls correctly predicted DMK's win in TN. The real issue is how these polls are used to create narratives before votes are even counted. Janta ka faisla toh kal hi aayega!
Respect to Tagore for taking a principled stand against exit poll hype. However, it's worth noting that his party is part of the alliance projected to win. Would he be saying the same if the polls showed his alliance losing? Still, I agree - wait for the EC results. That's the only poll that counts.
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