Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday disagreed with those in the Congress who were dismissive of the challenge posed by Narendra Modi but asserted that the party would approach the 2014 lok Sabha polls with self-confidence, irrespective of the results of the just concluded Assembly elections in five States.
“As it is an organised party, we cannot underestimate the power of Opposition to unsettle the ship of the State. Therefore, I am one of those who take very seriously our opponents. There is no room for complacency,” he said. He was asked about different views among his cabinet colleagues, one of whom has stated that the challenge posed by Modi should be taken seriously while another has dismissed the opposition.
“I am one of those who takes very seriously our opponents. There is no room for complacency,” Singh said. The Prime Minister was answering questions after delivering the keynote address at the 11th Hindustan Times leadership Summit here. Exit polls have predicted rout for the Congress in the Assembly polls to Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. Counting of votes for all four States will take place on Sunday while for Mizoram votes will be counted on Monday.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh rejected a poser that the Communal Violence Bill is a vote-catching gimmick and said the Government’s effort is to ensure that if riots can’t be prevented, there should be adequate compensation for the victims. “It is not a vote-catching gimmick.....What happened in Muzaffarnagar and some other parts of our country is a reminder that although as a country, we can take pride in our ability to protect all the people, yet there are times when aberrations take place. This bill, if it is passed by Parliament, will help to control those aberrations,” he added.
His remarks came amid Centre’s move to drop several provisions to ensure that the legislation is neutral between communities and address concerns of States who complained that their powers are being encroached upon. Singh had on Thursday said that Government will try to evolve consensus on issues which are of “great” legislative importance.