Congress Confident of Strong Performance in Recent Assembly Elections
AICC President Kharge's Optimism
AICC chief Kharge addresses a press conference in Guwahati, on Tuesday. (Photo:PTI)
Kalaburagi (Karnataka), Apr 30: On Thursday, AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge expressed his belief that the alliances involving Congress will secure a decisive majority in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, where Assembly elections took place earlier this month.
Regarding Assam, where elections were conducted on April 9, Kharge stated that Congress is likely to win more seats than what the exit polls suggest.
He mentioned that the party put up a strong contest in Puducherry, and in West Bengal, the focus has been on the party's expansion.
The counting of votes for the five assemblies—West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry—is scheduled for May 4.
"While exit poll results are clear for some regions, others have led to confusion. However, I am confident that the DMK will achieve a clear majority in Tamil Nadu, based on my discussions with locals. Similarly, in Kerala, our sources indicate that the Congress-led UDF will prevail," Kharge stated in response to inquiries.
Addressing reporters, he remarked, "Although exit polls indicate fewer seats for us in Assam than anticipated, I believe we will secure more than what is being projected. In Puducherry, we have fought hard against the BJP and N R Congress, and we have high hopes there as well. It was a challenging contest; we must wait a few days to see the outcome."
In West Bengal, Kharge noted that exit polls and internal data suggest a competitive race, stating, "According to our information, TMC is currently leading."
He accused the BJP and NDA of using central forces to intimidate voters in West Bengal during the elections, claiming, "This tactic was employed to mount a strong challenge against the TMC led by Mamata Banerjee."
"For Congress, our efforts in West Bengal have been ongoing. This is our first time contesting independently there. Our struggle is for the party's interests and growth in the region," Kharge added.
Based on his insights, he anticipates the results will align with the party's expectations. "Let’s wait for three more days. Premature statements may not be beneficial. If we hold off for a couple of days, a clearer picture will emerge; we will see what unfolds," he concluded.
Several exit polls released on Wednesday forecast a significant victory for the BJP in Assam and a lead for the party over the ruling TMC in West Bengal, while indicating a return of the DMK government in Tamil Nadu and a comeback for the Congress-led UDF in Kerala after a decade.
However, some analysts predict a substantial win for the TMC in West Bengal and a hung assembly in Tamil Nadu, with actor-turned-politician Vijay's TVK potentially disrupting the DMK's chances.
Most forecasts suggest a return to power for the AINRC-led NDA government in Puducherry.