Will be a pity if the efforts to polarise succeed: Congress leader Chidamabaram

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:

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.

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.

I don’t comment onexit polls. I remember the exit polls of 2004.

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.

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.

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