‘BJP undermining PM’s office’

The elections this time round appears to have become a personal battle between the two prime ministerial candidates — Manmohan Singh and L K Advani. On a recent visit to the city,senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley had even called Manmohan Singh a weak PM and blamed him for the financial crisis in the country.

Defending the PM,Sharma said,“Manmohan Singh has successfully led the coalition. He has shown clarity and firmness in his decisions.”

Terming L K Advani “a failure” as Home Minister,Sharma said the BJP approach of dragging religion in politics undermines the unity of the country.

Sharma further said the party is seeking the people’s mandate on the basis of performance. “There are no pre-poll alliances at the Centre,only state-specific alliances. If the need arises,post poll alliances will be considered,” he said.

“No government is possible without the support of the Congress,” said a confident Sharma.

Condemning the shoe-throwing incidents at various places,Sharma said,“People have divergent views in a democracy. There is scope for dissent but it should be within a civilised

parameter.”

On being asked whether Rahul Gandhi would be considered for the post of PM,Sharma said the Congress can boast of leadership both for the present as well as future.

Sharma also highlighted the achievements of the Congress including the NREGS,loan waiver for farmers,agricultural reforms,record production of commodities and setting-up of educational institutes.