Congress asserted that a key factor in this anticipated success would be a remarkable turnaround in Uttar Pradesh…reports Asian Lite News
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh predicted a significant political shift on June 4, drawing parallels to the unexpected victory of 2004 when the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was unseated despite their ‘India Shining’ campaign.
In an interview with PTI, Ramesh emphasized that the INDIA bloc, a coalition of opposition parties, would secure a clear mandate in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. He asserted that a key factor in this anticipated success would be a remarkable turnaround in Uttar Pradesh, a state with substantial electoral influence.
Ramesh used a cricket analogy to describe the political landscape, alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been fostering a “communal pitch.” He stated that Congress and its allies have refused to engage in this divisive strategy, instead focusing on their own agenda.
Despite Modi’s attempts to unsettle them with political “googlies and bouncers,” Ramesh claimed that the opposition has skillfully navigated these challenges.
Reflecting on the 2004 elections, Ramesh reminded that it took only a few days after the results for Manmohan Singh to be named Prime Minister. He suggested that the process might be even quicker this time.
He underscored that Indian elections are about choosing parties and coalitions rather than individual leaders, and he anticipated a clear decision in favor of the INDIA bloc shortly after the June 4 vote count.
Ramesh expressed optimism about the situation in Uttar Pradesh, a state crucial for any party aiming to secure national power due to its 80 parliamentary seats.
He highlighted the successful Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra led by Rahul Gandhi, which he said garnered significant support across various demographics including youth, women, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes.
This support, he argued, reflects widespread disenchantment with Prime Minister Modi, whom he described as “tired, jaded, and faded.”
Recalling the 2019 elections, where the BJP and its allies won a majority of seats in Uttar Pradesh, Ramesh noted a dramatic shift in the political atmosphere this time around.
He accused Modi of resorting to polarizing tactics and communal rhetoric, especially after April 19, as a sign of desperation. However, Ramesh insisted that the opposition has maintained its focus on their ‘paach nyay’ (five justice) agenda, which they believe resonates more with the electorate.
Ramesh also praised the efforts of Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, whose campaigning he described as magnificent.
He emphasized that this election is fundamentally a contest between the people and Modi, with various societal groups—farmers, women, laborers, youth, and marginalized communities—rising up against the incumbent prime minister.
With voting completed in 428 out of 543 constituencies and two phases remaining, Ramesh projected a decisive victory for the INDIA bloc.
He noted that feedback from party workers and social organizations supports this optimistic outlook. Ramesh concluded by asserting that Modi’s recent rhetoric signals his awareness of an impending defeat, predicting that on June 4, the INDIA bloc will secure a definitive mandate and signal the end of Modi’s tenure as prime minister.
Will enter active politics on my work, says Vadra
Robert Vadra, a businessman and husband of Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Tuesday said that his intention to enter active politics is based on his achievements rather than his association with the Gandhi family.
Vadra told ANI, “If not this time, then next time. If the party wants, I will contest the next elections.”
He emphasized his commitment to social service, noting that his involvement is driven by a genuine desire to help, not as a means to ease his political entry.
“Entry into politics is easy for me, but I will enter politics on my work, not because of belonging to the Gandhi family,” he asserted.
Robert Vadra acknowledged a groundswell of public support urging him to become an MP.
“There is a call from the people; they want to make us MPs. I am upset that I am not fighting this time, but I will definitely fight next time,” he said.
He also pointed out that while he has not leveraged the Gandhi family name, the BJP has often used his name in political discourse.
He revealed that there have been calls from various parties across the country inviting him to join politics, with voices from different regions urging his active participation.
“I will prepare my own field to contest elections,” he added, hinting at potential constituencies.
Vadra mentioned his connection to Delhi NCR, Haryana, Moradabad, and Madhya Pradesh as areas of interest for his political candidacy.
He also accused the central government of using investigative agencies against him, particularly during election periods.
“The BJP always drags my name into controversies. They send the Enforcement Directorate and Income Tax officials before elections. I was called by the ED 15 times and was raided during the Rajasthan elections. But these actions have only made me stronger,” he stated.
Expressing concerns over security, Vadra highlighted the inadequate protection for his wife, Priyanka Gandhi.
“During COVID, the SPG security of the Gandhi family was removed within a day without any assessment. There is a threat perception. Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi met with fatal incidents. Indira ji was hit by 33 bullets. The Gandhi family has sacrificed their lives for the country,” he mentioned.
Responding to Amit Shah’s remark that Congress would be nearly invisible after the elections, Vadra countered, “I am smiling. People want change. They break governments. Farmers are being crushed. Media is in the hands of a few industrialists, but social media today ensures you cannot hide anything. People want change in India. The election results of the alliance will be very good.”
On the alliance with Aam Aadmi Party in Delhi, Vadra expressed confidence, stating, “All seven seats in Delhi will go to our alliance.” (ANI)
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