Congress Strategizes for Victory in Lok Sabha Elections, Says President Kharge

New Delhi - The Congress party has consciously decided to contest fewer seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. This strategic move is aimed at keeping the INDIA bloc united and defeating the BJP, according to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge.

In an interview with PTI, Kharge clarified that this decision does not reflect any “under-confidence” on the part of the party. Instead, it’s a “compromise struck to ensure victory of the united opposition while giving space to other parties which have strengths in different parts of the country.”

Kharge also praised Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, terming her an “asset” and a star campaigner. He justified her decision not to contest the elections.

When asked which seat Rahul Gandhi should vacate, in case he wins both Wayanad and Rae Bareli, Kharge said it is Gandhi’s personal choice.

The Congress is contesting 328 seats, its lowest-ever, leaving more than 200 seats for the other opposition parties in the INDIA bloc. Kharge explained, “We have taken a conscious decision to contest on a lesser number of seats. This is being done to keep the alliance partners together and that’s why we have made this compromise.”

Despite alliance partners fighting against each other in states like Kerala, Bengal, and Punjab, Kharge asserted, “There is no disunity in fighting against the central government. In states, we are fighting as both INDIA parties are key in some states, otherwise it will benefit the BJP.”

Kharge also addressed the differing assessments of NDA numbers by opposition leaders like Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav, and Arvind Kejriwal. He stated, “Every leader has a different assessment. But, as I have said, the numbers required for stopping the BJP from coming to power, we in the INDIA alliance have those numbers and we will stop the BJP from assuming power.”

Kharge did not give a definite reply on SP’s Akhilesh Yadav’s statement that there is no need for ED, CBI and they should be banned. He said, “If our government comes, we will review all the laws. Whatever that is being done to harass people, we will oppose it.”

He also questioned why the opposition leaders were being put behind bars ahead of the elections. “Why did they not arrest them earlier when they were in power for the last 10 years? Elections are going on and here leaders are being threatened and harassed and put behind bars, not leaving them even to campaign.”

Kharge justified Priyanka Gandhi not contesting the election, saying it was a decision taken by Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and her. “She (Priyanka) is also our star campaigner, along with Rahul Gandhi, as Sonia Gandhi ji is not keeping very good health. They are in demand and thousands come to listen to them.”

The Congress president accused the BJP of “suppressing democracy and opposing the Constitution” and said this is the reason why this election is very significant for everyone - from children to the old, and from print media to television and even social media users.