The Congress on Friday said some exit polls were designed to create pressure on the officials to influence the counting of votes in Madhya Pradesh, exhorting its workers to stay alert and foil the conspiracy.

In a video message released in the evening, former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamal Nath said: “The BJP has lost the election. Some exit polls were designed to mount pressure on the officials by creating a false impression that the BJP was returning to power. It also aims to demoralise the Congress workers before counting. But this conspiracy is not going to fructify.”

Kamal Nath, who led the Congress campaign in the state, said: “The Congress workers should come out in full strength. All Congress office bearers, district presidents, in-charges, frontal organisation heads should start working to ensure fair counting. We are all united, waiting for the victory. If you sense any trouble, talk to me directly.”

While many TV channels and newspapers have either given a slight edge to the Congress, or a comfortable majority, two major agencies predicted a landslide victory for the BJP. What deepened suspicions was a video showing the TV channel editors expressing shock at the numbers and even arguing that the exit poll was not in tune with the ground reality.

Party’s general secretary in charge of Madhya Pradesh, Randeep Surjewala, went a step further, warning the officials against any attempt to manipulate the counting of votes. He issued a statement saying: “The BJP is relying on this exit poll which triggered doubts in the minds of Channel editors as well. This is because of their evil intent to create pressure on the administration during the counting process. The officers who are willing to manipulate counting will face action after the Congress forms the government. FIRs will be registered against officers who will violate law.”

What gives credence to the suspicions about manipulation is the unseemly incident in Balaghat constituency of the state where the Election Commission of India was compelled to punish officials. Surjewala referred to the incident to justify the party’s apprehensions. A sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) from Balaghat district was suspended as some officials opened the strong room, and were seen segregating postal ballots without following the due process.