In an interview with PTI, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge revealed that the party has consciously contested on a lesser number of seats in the Lok Sabha election as part of a strategy to keep the INDIA (Indian National Democratic Inclusive Alliance) bloc together and defeat the BJP.
Kharge clarified that this decision does not exhibit “under-confidence” on the part of the Congress. Instead, he explained that the “compromise was struck to ensure victory of the united opposition while giving space to other parties which have strengths in different parts of the country.”
The Congress chief termed Priyanka Gandhi Vadra an “asset” and a star campaigner, justifying her decision not to contest the elections. He said it was a decision taken by Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka herself.
Regarding Rahul Gandhi’s potential victory in both Wayanad and Rae Bareli constituencies, Kharge stated that it is his personal choice which seat he decides to leave.
Kharge emphasized that the Congress had formed a committee to forge coalitions in every state after holding consultations with other like-minded parties. “The party high command approved this strategy. We have held consultations in every state,” he said.
While acknowledging that opposition parties are fighting against each other in some states like Kerala, Bengal, and Punjab, Kharge maintained that “there is no disunity in fighting against the central government.” He asserted that “every state has a different alliance, but we are all fighting against the BJP’s and Modi ji’s ideology.”
Kharge dismissed concerns about opposition leaders like Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav, and Arvind Kejriwal not being united in predicting the NDA’s numbers, stating that “every leader has a different assessment.”
He accused the BJP of “suppressing democracy and opposing the Constitution,” emphasizing that this election is significant for everyone, from children to the elderly, and across various media platforms.