Congress confident about numbers

Even as the political voices opposing the recent key decisions like the hike in diesel price and the FDI in multi-brand retail gather momentum, the Congress appeared unfazed about any threat to the survival of the UPA goernment.

“We have the numbers, and there is no crisis,” said party spokesperson PC Chacko. “There is a difference between consultation and agreement. None of the decisions has come as a surprise. Whether it is the hike in diesel price or FDI, these have been pending for quite sometime. The matter was
discussed at several levels. We are aware of the difference of opinion, but then every such difference is not a crisis of survival,” said Chacko.

He stressed that if the allies have any issue then it could be discussed at the UPA coordinaton committee, and observed that back channel efforts were underway to convince them. “But right now any revision of the diesel price is not under consideration,” he clarified.

However, the desperation in the Congress party to clutch at straws was evident from the manner in which it drew solace from the victory of its students’ wing in the Delhi University Students’ Union elections. “All the four seats have been won by the NSUI, and this is an indicator of the popular mood,” said Chacko.