Historical verdict is just few hours away, first hint by 9 am; BJP gearing up for celebration, pandal erected in AICC headquarters as well

NEW DELHI: Only hours are left to see if Prime Minister Narendra Modi will come to power at the Centre for the third consecutive term as predicted by the exit poll results. This verdict is crucial for the political future of other parties and their leaders. The Congress, which rejected the exit polls, is also getting ready to celebrate its victory. A huge pandal has been erected at the AICC headquarters.

The counting of votes will start at 8 am. By 9 am, it will be possible to determine which direction the nation is leaning towards. The picture will become clear by the afternoon.

If the result is favourable, Narendra Modi will become the first person since Jawaharlal Nehru to become Prime Minister for three consecutive terms. It is indicated that Modi has already started the steps to form the government. On Monday, the Prime Minister held discussions with senior leaders Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, BJP president JP Nadda and organization general secretary BL Santosh. It is indicated that the discussion included the structure of the '3.0' government. If the third victory is assured, Prime Minister Modi will reach the party headquarters by leading a road show.

Counting of votes will be completed by 2 pm in Kerala

In Kerala, the counting of votes is likely to be completed by two o'clock. The officials will arrive at 4 am for the preliminary preparations for the counting of votes. The counting will begin at 8 am in 20 centres in the state. The officials will take the EVM machines out of the strong rooms at 7.30 am.

The final result will be announced only after counting the VVPAT in the selected five booths in each constituency. It will take an hour. Hence, the declaration of the final result will be delayed.

The counting of postal votes will start at 8 am. By 8:30 EVM votes will be counted. Along with this, postal ballots of soldiers will also be counted.