NEW DELHI: Highlighting the resilience of the INDIA bloc, Congress leader Sachin Pilot said that the opposition alliance remains “strong,” countering the BJP‘s attempts at a “frantic rejig” due to concerns over the collective strength of the coalition.
Pilot addressed Mamata Banerjee’s affiliation with the INDIA bloc, dismissing speculations of discord and expressing confidence in successful seat-sharing talks with the Trinamool Congress (TMC).
Regarding the BJP’s ambitious seat distribution claims, he characterized them as more of “bravado and rhetoric” than a practical assessment of ground realities.
As Rahul Gandhi-led Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra progresses through Chhattisgarh, Pilot, also the AICC general secretary in-charge of the state, refuted claims that the yatra adversely affected the party’s preparations for the upcoming elections. He assured ongoing seat-sharing negotiations with allies, emphasizing a simultaneous focus on both the yatra and other organizational matters. “As we speak, we are finalizing seat-sharing agreements with most of our allies in different states. So it is not a question of either/or,” Pilot said.
Addressing concerns about the INDIA bloc’s stability, especially with recent crossovers and criticisms from JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar and RLD’s Jayant Chaudhary, Pilot highlighted the historical precedent of partners leaving the NDA. “Look at the number of partners that left the NDA – Akali Dal, Shiv Sena, PDP, AIADMK. So the number of those leaving the NDA is far larger than some of those who may not be with us today,” Pilot said in an interview.
Pilot predicted a positive outcome for the INDIA bloc in the upcoming elections, asserting that a one-on-one contest against the NDA favors the opposition coalition. He acknowledged the need for give-and-take in seat-sharing negotiations, considering the sensitivities of regional parties while emphasizing the overarching goal of presenting a formidable alternative to the country.
On the BJP’s attempts to prevent the INDIA bloc’s unity, Pilot stated that such efforts were largely futile. He attributed the BJP’s concerns to the INDIA bloc’s strength and affirmed the alliance’s commitment to working together.
Regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s electoral predictions, Pilot characterized them as political speech and urged voters to rely on wisdom and objectivity. “It was a display of bravado and chest-thumping. I think the people of India will make the decision, and no election is won or lost till the last vote is counted. I have great faith in the wisdom and objectivity of our voters; they know the difference between truth and propaganda,” he said.
Pilot expressed skepticism about the BJP’s poll plank, noting its unclear position on critical issues such as unemployment, inflation, agrarian distress, and income inequality.
(With PTI inputs)
Pilot addressed Mamata Banerjee’s affiliation with the INDIA bloc, dismissing speculations of discord and expressing confidence in successful seat-sharing talks with the Trinamool Congress (TMC).
Regarding the BJP’s ambitious seat distribution claims, he characterized them as more of “bravado and rhetoric” than a practical assessment of ground realities.
As Rahul Gandhi-led Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra progresses through Chhattisgarh, Pilot, also the AICC general secretary in-charge of the state, refuted claims that the yatra adversely affected the party’s preparations for the upcoming elections. He assured ongoing seat-sharing negotiations with allies, emphasizing a simultaneous focus on both the yatra and other organizational matters. “As we speak, we are finalizing seat-sharing agreements with most of our allies in different states. So it is not a question of either/or,” Pilot said.
Addressing concerns about the INDIA bloc’s stability, especially with recent crossovers and criticisms from JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar and RLD’s Jayant Chaudhary, Pilot highlighted the historical precedent of partners leaving the NDA. “Look at the number of partners that left the NDA – Akali Dal, Shiv Sena, PDP, AIADMK. So the number of those leaving the NDA is far larger than some of those who may not be with us today,” Pilot said in an interview.
Pilot predicted a positive outcome for the INDIA bloc in the upcoming elections, asserting that a one-on-one contest against the NDA favors the opposition coalition. He acknowledged the need for give-and-take in seat-sharing negotiations, considering the sensitivities of regional parties while emphasizing the overarching goal of presenting a formidable alternative to the country.
On the BJP’s attempts to prevent the INDIA bloc’s unity, Pilot stated that such efforts were largely futile. He attributed the BJP’s concerns to the INDIA bloc’s strength and affirmed the alliance’s commitment to working together.
Regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s electoral predictions, Pilot characterized them as political speech and urged voters to rely on wisdom and objectivity. “It was a display of bravado and chest-thumping. I think the people of India will make the decision, and no election is won or lost till the last vote is counted. I have great faith in the wisdom and objectivity of our voters; they know the difference between truth and propaganda,” he said.
Pilot expressed skepticism about the BJP’s poll plank, noting its unclear position on critical issues such as unemployment, inflation, agrarian distress, and income inequality.
(With PTI inputs)
