New Delhi, May 23: Verdict of the grand electoral battle, which stretched for 71 days, would likely be out today as the Election Commission (EC) is scheduled to begin the counting of votes at 8:00 am. 60 crore voters who voted in the polls will have their eyes glued on the results, which would begin trickling shortly after the vote-count begins. Lok Sabha Elections 2019 Results LIVE News Updates: Will it be NDA, UPA or Third Front?

A dissatisfied Opposition has asked its polling agents to remain vigilant more than ever. The Congress on Wednesday, a day before the counting of votes, launched a tirade against the EC after it refused to accept its demand to verify VVPATs before counting the EVM numbers.

Senior Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi accused the Election Commission of acting on behest of the central government and "favouring" the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

"It is a black day for democracy, and it is very sad and unfortunate for an institution like the Election Commission," Singhvi said, further calling the EC as "Modi Prachar Sanhita".

The BJP has lambasted the Congress for hurting the reputation of Commission through "irresponsible remarks". The party has asked the Opposition to explain why it welcomed the results of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh assembly elections -- which went in Congress' favour -- if it doubts the EVMs.

"It is unfortunate that India's oldest party is defaming one of India's most credible institution," said BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi.

Reports claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also expressed concern at the NDA dinner meeting held on Monday over the Opposition's incessant targeting of the Election Commission.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 23, 2019 06:49 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).