"What defined the BJP campaign is the continuous speeches after April 21 by the Prime Minister and other leaders spreading hate and divisiveness particularly against the Muslims," P Chidambaram said. (Express file photo by Rohit Jain Paras)
As parties wait with bated breaths for the results of the Lok Sabha elections, former Union Finance Minister and Congress leader P Chidambaram speaks to The Indian Express about his party campaign, the INDIA bloc’s prospects and other issues
Excerpts:
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Now that the elections are over, what defined this election in terms of campaign and issues?
What defined the BJP campaign is the continuous speeches after April 21 by the Prime Minister and other leaders spreading hate and divisiveness particularly against the Muslims. What defined the INDIA bloc campaign is the focus on saving the Constitution, saving democracy and saving the hard-won rights of the SCs/STs and OBCs, including reservations.
You have outlined the broad narratives which defined the campaign. What is your expectation about the outcome?
It will be a pity if the efforts to polarise succeed. On the other hand, it will be a great relief if the effort to save the Constitution and democracy succeed.
The exit polls have predicted a resounding win for the BJP?
I don’t comment on exit polls. I remember the exit polls of 2004.
After the meeting of the INDIA bloc, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has predicted that the alliance would get 295 seats? Do you share the same optimism and confidence?
I was not present at the meeting. The Congress president after extensive consultations with leaders like (NCP-SP chief) Sharad Pawar, (SP chief) Akhilesh Yadav and (RJD leader) Tejashwi Yadav… if he has made that statement, I as a Congressman… I accept it.
What is your realistic assessment? Will the Congress touch the three-figure mark this time?
I don’t make any assessments. I cannot say anything more or anything else. What the Congress president said is the consensus that emerged after the INDIA bloc leaders’ meeting. As a Congressman, I accept that consensus.
Manoj C G currently serves as the Chief of National Political Bureau at The Indian Express. A veteran journalist with a career spanning nearly two decades, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the publication's coverage of India's political landscape.
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