Game of Nerves

His confidence leaves even the most fervent BJP supporter rattled. And as Digvijay Singh today invited journalists at the state Congress mee...

His confidence leaves even the most fervent BJP supporter rattled. And as Digvijay Singh today invited journalists at the state Congress meeting over for lunch tomorrow, the promised daal-baafle on the menu will be from the region he is banking on most — Malwa.

He spelt out the reason why he thinks the exit polls have got it wrong. And for the first time, he also spelt out that if the result goes the other way, his decision to remain a primary party member for 10 years precludes any escape, he will not take up any post. His feedback, he says, is that three factors will see him through. The first is an official confirmation of what many have suspected that a message has gone out to Mayawati that the BSP should transfer its votes in seats where it is not winning. His feedback says this has happened in large numbers for the Congress to gain in Gwalior-Chambal and at Uma’s home-turf of Bundelkhand.

He also said the BJP’s perceived penetration in the tribal regions, bordering Dhar and Jhabua, has not succeeded. And while the Gondwana Gantantra Party has done well in the Gond tribal areas, it has affected the BJP more. The strength of this analysis will be clear tomorrow, Digvijay said, adding he will spend the day with his family. He added he is firm on his decision to work only as a primary member of the party for 10 years, which means that he will not contest polls during this period. ‘‘There is a life beyond politics and I have prepared for it.’’ He refused to say if this would give him more time for wildlife photography, an enduring passion with him.

As soon as he arrived in Bhopal this evening, he kept fielding queries from media, taking time off only to visit BJP leader Babulal Gaur, who has been injured in an accident. And yes, he said, he did get a call from Sonia Gandhi, asking how things would go. And like he had done five years ago, Digvijay has assured that he will pull MP through for the Congress.

Police personnel seen to control the situation during a massive protest over the statehood demand and the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule, in Leh on Wednesday. (ANI Video Grab)

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