If all goes well he will have the sole distinction of being the only leader in the State to get elected nine times consecutively from the same constituency. In the midst of his hectic campaigning in his traditional Jewargi constituency, Singh took time off for an exclusive interview. Though he parried some of the questions, Singh gave enough indications that he too was in the race for the top slot. Excerpts.
What do you think of the prospects of the Congress party?
We have done very well in the first phase in which we are confident of bagging 42-45 seats out of 89 and we will keep the same pace in the second and third phases. Though BJP is making a lot of noise, it cannot win seats. The projection of Yeddyurappa as chief ministerial candidate has boomeranged on the party.
How do you visualise the post-poll scenario?
Congress will get a simple majority. People do not like quarrelling parties BJP and JD(S) which have done a lot of harm to the polity in their 20 month rule. The state has seen three chief ministers in less than four years plus the Governor’s rule. People are fed up with instability and they will give mandate to a single party.
How serious is your claim for the legislature party leadership after the elections?
It is the prerogative of the Congress Legislature Party in consultation with the high command. A few months back during Janandolana, I had declared that Mallikarjun Kharge would be the next chief minister. By convention, KPCC presidents successfully driving the party to victory become chief ministers. It had happened with Veerendra Patil, S M Krishna and others. Therefore Kharge will have that advantage. But my proposal was disapproved by the high command. Now it will be CLP and high command who will choose the leader.
Why is Congress shy of projecting any one leader as the chief ministerial candidate? BJP has no confusion on this issue...
There is a stiff competition in Congress party for the leadership. If one is projected the others would get upset. It is a calculated wise move of the high command not to project any one. Depending upon the situation after the election suitable leader will emerge.
You are largely perceived to be the best bet to lead a volatile coalition. Will it hold hold in the event of Congress getting majority also?
(Long silence. After a deep breath) Well, let’s see what happens.
