Congress rubbishes Advani prediction on LS poll outcome

New Delhi, Jan 25 (UNI) The Congress today dismissed as a "day dream" the prediction of NDA prime ministerial candidate L K Advani that the ruling UPA coalition would suffer the worst ever defeat in the next general elections.

"It is a day dream of Mr Advani...I don't want to disturb his dream or his sleep,"AICC Spokesman Abishek Manu Singhvi told mediapersons, while commenting on the reported statement of Mr Advani after the Opposition NDA endorsed his nomination by the BJP as its prime ministerial candidate.

Asked to comment on reports that the Congress was keen to postpone assembly elections in Karnataka, he said principal decisions on such issues were taken by the Election Commission.

"There is absolutely no scope for speculation. There is a deliberate attempt by the BJP to create a sense of uncertainty," Dr Singhvi said, adding that the Congress had welcomed delimitation of assembly and Lok Sabha constituencies.

On a question if Maharashtra Governor S M Krishna would be brought to Karnataka to head the party apparatus ahead of the forthcoming assembly elections, he said he did not want to enter into speculation.

In this context, Dr Singhvi said constant meetings were held by the party with its leaders at different levels and this was given interpretations by the media. "However, there is no need to speculate at this stage." On the demand for reservation to Dalit Christians, he said the Party had not formulated its views on the issue. Since such things needed constitutional amendment, there should be a consensus.

Moreover, the issue was now before the court.

Asked if JMM leader Shibu Soren would be re-inducted into the Manmohan Singh cabinet, he said it was the prerogative of the Prime Minister to take decisions on expansion of his council of ministers.

UNI SH RL AS1826