Congress to Gain More Seats in 2024 Elections than in 2019, Says P. Chidambaram

In an interview with news agency PTI, Mr. Chidambaram stated that neither Hinduism nor the Hindus were under threat, and accused the BJP of employing a “calculated strategy” to portray the entire Opposition as “anti-Hindu” in order to promote PM Modi as the “saviour of Hindus”. He also emphasized the significance of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in the upcoming election, believing that her ability to maintain support in the state will strengthen the INDIA bloc. Mr. Chidambaram confidently predicted a significant victory for the INDIA bloc in Tamil Nadu, with the expectation that in Kerala, the UDF and LDF would divide the seats, leaving none for the BJP. He also expressed confidence in the popularity of Congress governments in Karnataka and Telangana, foreseeing a gain in seats for the party compared to 2019.

He referenced the Congress’ previous success in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, and suggested that the Congress may improve its performance in the upcoming election. He also mentioned encouraging reports about the INDIA bloc from states such as Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Delhi. Mr. Chidambaram denounced PM Modi’s allegations against the Opposition parties, claiming that it is part of the BJP’s strategy to label the entire Opposition as anti-Hindu and to enhance Modi’s image as the protector of Hindus. He stressed that Hinduism is not threatened.

When asked about Mamata Banerjee’s influence in the election, Mr. Chidambaram acknowledged her as a key player whose ability to maintain support in West Bengal would fortify the INDIA combination. Mr. Chidambaram also addressed the Kachchatheevu issue, dismissing it as a closed matter and questioning the BJP’s timing of raising the issue in the run-up to the elections. He pointed out that the agreement regarding Kachchatheevu was made 50 years ago, and questioned why PM Modi had not raised the issue during his previous 10 years in office. The Kachchatheevu issue revolves around a longstanding territorial and fishing rights dispute between Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka, which has gained prominence ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, leading to a contentious debate between the BJP and the Opposition parties.