New Delhi, May 21: Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi played down the exit polls that predicted a thumping victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. In an audio message released on Monday, Priyanka Gandhi told Congress workers that exit polls were meant to discourage their morale and they should continue vigil outside strongrooms and counting centres till the final results are declared.

"My dear Congress workers, sisters and brothers... Don't let rumours and exit polls discourage you. This is being done just to break your determination. It is very important that you remain alert amid all this. Please continue to keep vigil outside strongrooms and counting centres. We are confident that our combined efforts will bear fruit," Priyanka was heard saying in the clip. Exit Poll Results By All Channels For Lok Sabha Elections 2019.

Almost all exit polls released on Sunday said the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance will retain power with Congress-led United Progressive Alliance expected to fall far short of numbers to reach even the half-way mark in the Lok Sabha elections. The Congress, however, rejected the predictions and there will be a surprise on May 23 when the actual results will be declared.

"Please wait till May 23. We will surprise you," Congress spokesperson Rajeev Gowda said. "Fear is the key so a lot of people are hesitant to reveal their true choice. Let us wait for May 23, the results will be sufficiently different," he added. Congress leader PC Chacko also said that the results will be different from exit polls.

The BJP, on the other hand, said the actual results would be better than exit polls for the party. BJP leader GVL Narasimha Rao said this election was "a slap for the abusive Opposition that made baseless charges and pervaded lies".

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 21, 2019 09:22 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).