Senior Congress stalwart and former Union Minister P. Chidambaram exuded optimism on Sunday, foreseeing the ascent of the INDIA coalition to power in the upcoming general elections. He boldly asserted that the newly elected parliament, under INDIA's leadership, would swiftly dismantle the contentious Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) during its inaugural session.
Addressing a gathering during a meet-the-press event organized by the Kerala unit of the Congress at the state headquarters, Chidambaram underscored the emerging clarity post the initial round of polling. He confidently proclaimed the inevitable victory of the INDIA coalition.
Despite incontrovertible evidence of senior Congress figures such as Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and Shashi Tharoor participating in protests against the CAA, Chidambaram criticized Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the CPI-M for attempting to deceive the populace on this crucial matter. He admonished voters against wasting their ballots on Left candidates, arguing that the CPI-M's disparagement of Rahul Gandhi would preclude their electoral success.
Reflecting on the developmental strides made during the tenures of the UPA, Chidambaram highlighted the allocation of projects worth Rs 50,414 crore to Kerala. Each district, he noted, benefited from 5 to 6 projects, including academic institutions, central establishments, and Defense Ministry initiatives.
Challenging the BJP, Chidambaram demanded transparency regarding the Modi government's contributions to Kerala's progress.
Expressing grave apprehensions about the consequences of a Modi-led administration's return to power, Chidambaram warned of democratic erosion, constitutional decay, and the erosion of civil liberties. He decried the BJP's purported stranglehold over constitutional bodies, alleging their inability to operate autonomously. The veteran politician lamented the perceived compromise of judicial independence and the stifling of press freedom, citing instances of journalist fatalities and social media censorship.
Pitching the Congress manifesto as a blueprint for rejuvenating a nation battered by a decade of Modi's governance, Chidambaram outlined plans for national advancement and societal cohesion. Unemployment, he emphasized, stands as a paramount concern, with the manifesto prioritizing welfare, economic stability, and job creation, particularly for women, farmers, laborers, and marginalized communities.
Confident in the Congress-led UDF's electoral prospects, Chidambaram predicted a clean sweep, securing all 20 parliamentary seats in Kerala.
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