Cong opposing opinion polls sensing "crushing defeat" in

Amidst demands from various sections of the Congress leadership for the banning of opinion polls, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today said the party's opposition to such surveys was based on fears as it can see the writing on the wall about its fate in upcoming elections.
"Congress is making this demand as they have sensed the crushing defeat they will face in upcoming Assembly elections in five states, after which they are going to meet the same fate in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls," Badal told reporters on the sidelines of a state-level function to mark Vishwakarma Puja.

He expressed surprise that Congress, "which has all along been favouring opinion polls, is now opposing the same after finding the winds unfavourable".
Continuing his onslaught, Badal charged that inflation, corruption, communalism, riots, etc. Were "only synonymous with Congress".
"Congress must be thrown out through the power of ballot to get rid off these black spots," he said.
Referring to state Revenue Minister Bikram Singh Majithia's recent statement in the Assembly regarding alleged irregularities committed in land deals by Punjab Congress President Partap Singh Bajwa, Badal said that whatever his Cabinet colleague had said was based on facts.

"Appropriate legal action would be taken only after a detailed study of the case," the 85-year-old Badal said, asserting that he had never believed in politics of vendetta, "even after being targeted severely during Congress regime."

Majithia had alleged that, "(Bajwa) and his younger brother had taken control of 'shamlat' (village common land) through illegal ways and minted money".
As to the rally to be addressed next month in Moga by Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, especially given the threat perception which he faces in light of the Patna blasts, Badal said, "we believe in peace and communal harmony. I am sure that everything will pass off in a peaceful manner".