<p><br />"At worst, the Congress will emerge as the single largest party," the prime minister told reporters here, adding there was no question of backing the Left if it wanted to take power. </p>.<p>Answering another question, he said it would be desirable if the number of political parties in the country were fewer. </p>.<p>But he hastened to add that he did not want to imply that he was against regional parties. "Regional parties are a reality." </p>
<p><br />"At worst, the Congress will emerge as the single largest party," the prime minister told reporters here, adding there was no question of backing the Left if it wanted to take power. </p>.<p>Answering another question, he said it would be desirable if the number of political parties in the country were fewer. </p>.<p>But he hastened to add that he did not want to imply that he was against regional parties. "Regional parties are a reality." </p>