The political situation in the state is a ‘godsend’ to the Congress to return to power, said Union finance minister, P. Chidambaram, adding that Congress leaders should work hard to achieve this.
"The BJP has no moral authority to remain in power. The BJP government survived because of Operation Lotus. Now, it remains in office because no one is ready to move a no-confidence motion. The BJP is getting split. What I heard is that Mr B.S. Yeddyurappa is forming a new political party. We have to use this opportunity now," Mr Chidambaram said.
According to him, the Congress will bounce back to power if it accommodates SCs, STs, OBCs and minorities besides women and youth in its candidates’ list. "We cannot abandon our constituency. This was the message of late Indira Gandhi who accommodated representatives of these sections in every political sphere. We give priority to these sections whenever and wherever we make appointments." he said.
Congress leaders in the state have a tough task ahead, said the Union minister. "In Delhi we have constituted a co-ordination committee for the next Parliament elections. That does not mean that the elections will come early. Whatever the opposition parties say, elections will be held only in 2014," he said.
Mr Chidambaram briefly explained how the Centre was doing its best to attract investment into India. Ridiculing the opposition parties for objecting to allowing FDI in the retail sector, he said that even a small shop owner knew how the investment would help to expand his business.
"Unfortunately, our opposition does not understand the (importance of) investment," he said. India, besides, China, Brazil, South Africa and Indonesia are witnessing a growth of over five per cent while Europe and many other developed countries recorded zero growth during the last few years. "We have taken several initiatives during the last eight years. I think, the growth will pick up next year, surely," he added.