PC sees god-sent opportunity for Congress
Chidambaram tells State party leaders to tap into traditional vote banks
Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram on Tuesday described the present political atmosphere as a “god-sent opportunity” for the Congress to come back to power in Karnataka and advised the State unit leaders to woo its traditional vote bank – minorities, SC/STs and OBCs – to make it a reality.
“No power on earth can stop the party from coming to power if it succeeds in sending across a message to minorities, SC/STs and OBCs that it is with them. They are the party’s natural constituencies and the party must support them,” he said, addressing the party workers at the KPCC office.
Natural constituencies
The Congress cannot afford to lose its traditional vote bank to other parties. Though the party represents all classes, minorities, OBCs, SC/STs and women form its natural constituencies. The party must create enough space for them in all its activities and should support and promote them, he said. Credit flow to the weaker sections has been reasonably good in Karnataka. It is 13.2 per cent against the national average of 10 per cent. However, credit flow to the minorities needs to be improved, he said.
Directions have been issued to the State government to take appropriate steps in this direction. Political power is also important for them, along with financial power, he added.
Referring to speculations, Chidambaram ruled out the possibility of the next parliamentary elections being held before 2014.
“The next elections are scheduled 18 months from now, and they will not be held before that. Do not believe the opposition parties,” he said.
‘No moral authority’
Chidambaram said the ruling BJP had split in Karnataka, and it no longer had the moral authority to continue in power.
“This government has survived because nobody has moved the no-confidence motion against it yet. Former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa has made up his mind to float his own party on December 9,” he said.
