Bangalore, May 14 (PTI): With exit polls forecasting National Democratic Allaiance staging a comeback to power, senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh on Wednesday said his party could not be written off and it would fight for “politics of secularism” whether it forms the government or sits in the opposition.
“Media had written us off in 1977 (but) we bounced back; again wrote us off in 89, we bounced back; ... So for God’s sake, don’t write us off,” Mr. Singh told reporters here responding to questions on exit poll numbers that predicted a debacle for the Congress.
“Day after tomorrow, the counting will begin and the results of the 16th Lok Sabha will be coming. Although all the surveys have written us off, let me remind you that these surveys and media had written us off in 2004 and 2009 also,” he said.
Singh, who attended the co-ordination committee meeting of ruling state Congress here, said his party had seen “ups and downs in its long political history but it has never deviated from the ideology of socialism,
secularism...”
”...this has been a very distinctive fight between the ideology of extreme right coupled with the religious fundamentalism of the BJP and the socialist, secular character of Congress.” He said the BJP always begins its campaign talking about development but in the final stages it comes back to communal politics.
”...we can’t hand over this country to people who create communal disturbances, disturb the communal harmony. And therefore, whether we form the government or sit in the opposition, the Congress party shall always fight for politics of secularism, politics of socialism.”
Asked if his party had accepted defeat, he said, ”...democracy means change. We have fought this election to form the government. If we get an opportunity we will form the government.”
Responding to a question whether the election results will be a reflection on Rahul Gandhi’s leadership, Singh said, “As far as Rahul Gandhi’s leadership is concerned, the Congress party has got greatest regard and respect and confidence in his leadership.”
On Congress’ performance in Seemandhra and Telangana, Singh said, “We hope to form the government in Telangana, but we are not too hopeful in Seemandhra.” On the Third Front, Mr. Singh said, ”...we have already experimented where a leader from small party becomes Prime Minister and (we are) giving outside support to them. But that experiment was not successful... so if any coalition government or secular front...if there is a possibility, then it has to be Congress-led government.”
