P Chidambaram has categorically denied all reports of Rahul Gandhi’s being chosen as the Prime ministerial face of the party for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The former finance minster said the congress had not yet declared its PM candidate and will only do so after an alliance has been formed to defeat the BJP, which is its main objective right now congress leader said in an interview.
“We never said that we want Rahul Gandhi to be prime minister. When few Congressmen were talking about it, the AICC intervened and stopped such talk. We want the BJP to be ousted. In its place, we want to see an alternative government which is progressive, respects freedom of individuals, doesn’t indulge in tax terrorism, gives protection to women and children, and uplifts farmers,” he said.
“We want an alliance to be formed. The Prime Minister will be decided by the alliance partners after the election,” he stated.
Chidambaram said the Congress was focusing on overthrowing the BJP led government at the Centre and usher in a progressive government that does not take away human rights, does not threaten people and does not indulge in tax terrorism against traders and entrepreneurs but provide security to women and children and give a fair and remunerative price to farmers for the farm produce and to farm workers.
Earlier this month, at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit in New Delhi, Gandhi was asked if he would be the PM if the Congress wins the 2019 elections. “If they (allies) want me, sure,” he had responded,
