Chennai: Leaders of opposition parties in Tamil Nadu have rejected the exit polls that gave an edge to the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance, branding them as gimmicks and a conspiracy by the ruling party.
AIADMK's Confidence
AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami expressed confidence that his front would win 210 seats. He stated that with the blessings of 'Puratchi Thalaivar' (M G Ramachandran) and 'Puratchi Thalaivi' (J Jayalalithaa), the AIADMK would certainly form the government. Palaniswami added that the DMK's 'gimmicks' would fail miserably.
He described the exit poll predictions as a 'planned conspiracy' by the DMK to divert public attention. Palaniswami urged AIADMK rank and file not to be disheartened, noting that there is no history of exit polls coming true in all elections. 'AIADMK has proven such predictions wrong and has formed the government in the past,' he said.
Historical Context
Recalling the exit polls ahead of the 2011 and 2016 results, Palaniswami said most pollsters had predicted a DMK victory. When media questioned AIADMK's chances at that time, then general secretary J Jayalalithaa replied that the party would win no less than 218 seats. 'Ultimately, AIADMK won 203 seats and formed the government. This time we will certainly win 210 seats. I am saying this with full confidence,' he asserted.
BJP's Stance
The BJP also dismissed the exit polls. Former Telangana governor Tamilisai Soundararajan said, 'Exit polls are not exact polls. Let us all wait for May 4 for the results.'
TVK's Optimism
Echoing similar views, TVK chief coordinator K Sengottaiyan told media persons at Coimbatore Airport that the party would win more than 200 seats in the state. 'The 'whistle puratchi' (whistle revolution), led by party president Vijay, would rewrite Tamil Nadu's political history,' he said.
Sengottaiyan added, 'Exit polls have a history of falling flat. We have seen them go wrong in Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh and even in the Punjab state elections. Tamil Nadu will be no different. There is absolutely no connection between these surveys and the actual mandate of the people.'
