Predicting a "clear mandate" for anti-BJP parties, TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu says all opposition leaders are better than Narendra Modi but a decision on who will be prime minister will be a consensus one taken after the groups sit together following the results.
The bitterness among people about the Modi government will help the anti-BJP parties come to power in the Lok Sabha elections, the Andhra Pradesh chief minister told PTI in an interview.
Discussing probable candidates for the prime minister's post, Naidu said, "Everybody is strong. All leaders in the opposition are very strong. They are better than Narendra Modi. But for the selection of the PM, we (opposition leaders) have to sit together and decide who is the best candidate... We will have to reach a consensus on this."
Asked whether Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee will be a contender, he said, "That we have not discussed so far. We will sit together after the results of the elections are out and then will discuss this."
Asked on plans for a meeting of opposition parties on May 21, two days before counting day, for a post-poll alliance, he said, "We are discussing with everybody. Even Rahul, Mamata ji, Sharad Pawar. Everybody is taking the lead. We will meet again at an appropriate time convenient to everybody and then decide the PM candidate."
"You may differ with us on some policies but why personal attacks? Also, Rajiv Gandhi passed away 25 years ago. Why are you bringing him up now. Where's the dignity? As a PM, one should be magnanimous."
"Modi is an opportunist. During the elections in Odisha, he attacked (Chief Minister) Naveen Patnaik. Now, because of the natural calamity and because he thinks he is losing, he is announcing monetary help to win over Patnaik."
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content