Kharge: Congress Contesting Fewer Seats to Strengthen INDIA Bloc Against BJP

New Delhi: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has revealed that the party’s decision to contest fewer seats in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections is a deliberate strategy aimed at ensuring the INDIA bloc remains unified to effectively challenge the BJP. In an interview with PTI, Kharge emphasized that this move does not signify under-confidence but rather a strategic compromise to enhance the opposition’s chances of victory.

INDIA Bloc’s United Front

The Congress party has consciously limited its contest to 328 seats, its lowest-ever number, leaving over 200 seats to be contested by other opposition parties within the INDIA bloc. This strategy is designed to allow regional parties, which hold significant influence in various parts of the country, to have a stronger presence and better chances of defeating BJP candidates.

“In Eastern U.P, INDIA bloc going all out for victory,” said Kharge, underscoring the collaborative efforts within the alliance.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s Role

Kharge also highlighted Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s role as an “asset” and star campaigner for the party. He justified her decision not to contest the elections, noting her significant contributions to the campaign.

Rahul Gandhi’s Decision

When asked about which seat Rahul Gandhi should retain if he wins both Wayanad and Rae Bareli, Kharge stated that it is a personal decision for Rahul Gandhi to make.

State-Specific Coalitions

Kharge pointed out that the Congress formed a committee to forge coalitions in every state after extensive consultations with other like-minded parties. The party high command approved this strategy to strengthen alliances at the state level, ensuring a unified front against the BJP’s and Prime Minister Modi’s ideology.

Addressing Internal Conflicts

Regarding internal conflicts within the alliance in states like Kerala, Bengal, and Punjab, where alliance partners are contesting against each other, Kharge emphasized that there is no disunity in their common goal of fighting against the central government. He acknowledged that each state has a unique political landscape, but the overarching goal is to challenge the BJP’s dominance.

Optimistic Outlook

Despite varied assessments from opposition leaders about the NDA’s prospects, Kharge expressed confidence in the INDIA alliance’s ability to secure the numbers needed to prevent the BJP from coming to power. He reiterated that the opposition parties have aligned their strategies in the nation’s best interest.

Kharge refrained from commenting directly on Samajwadi Party’s Akhilesh Yadav’s statement about banning the ED and CBI, indicating that every leader has their perspectives and priorities within the broader coalition.