New Delhi, May 22 – Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has revealed that the party made a deliberate decision to contest fewer seats in the Lok Sabha elections to maintain the unity of the INDIA bloc and defeat the BJP. In an interview with PTI, Kharge emphasized that this strategy does not reflect a lack of confidence but is aimed at ensuring the success of the united opposition by accommodating the strengths of various parties across the country.
Kharge lauded Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as an “asset” and a star campaigner, justifying her decision not to contest the elections. He also addressed Rahul Gandhi’s potential choice between Wayanad and Rae Bareli, should he win both seats, stating it would be Rahul’s personal decision.
“We have consciously decided to contest fewer seats to keep our alliance partners together. This compromise is essential to our strategy,” Kharge told PTI. He noted that the Congress had formed a committee to forge coalitions after consulting with like-minded parties and that this strategy was approved by the party high command.
The Congress is contesting 328 seats, its lowest-ever, leaving over 200 seats for other opposition parties in the INDIA bloc. Kharge acknowledged that alliance partners are competing against each other in some states but emphasized their shared goal of opposing the BJP.
Kharge noted that while leaders like Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav, and Arvind Kejriwal may differ in their assessments of the NDA’s prospects, they are united in their mission to prevent the BJP from returning to power. He criticized the BJP’s misuse of investigative agencies to harass opposition leaders, asserting that these tactics undermine democracy.
On Priyanka Gandhi’s decision not to contest, Kharge said it was made collectively by Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka herself. He highlighted her role as a crucial campaigner, alongside Rahul Gandhi, given Sonia Gandhi’s health issues.
Kharge justified the decision of several senior Congress leaders to abstain from contesting, explaining that many had recently fought in assembly elections and were needed for national campaign efforts. He accused the BJP of “suppressing democracy and opposing the Constitution,” emphasizing the significance of this election for all citizens and media.
This election, Kharge said, is crucial for preserving democratic principles and ensuring fair representation across the political spectrum.
