Congress asks Modi to declare seat

Congress on Wednesday challenged BJP prime ministerial candidate to declare the constituency from which he would be contesting Lok Sabha elections.

Congress national general secretary and in-charge of Uttar Pradesh Madhusudan Mistry asked Mr. Modi to declare the constituency if he was a big leader as being claimed.

“If Mr. Modi is such a big leader, then he should tell from where he is going to contest the elections,” Mr. Mistry told reporters here after the meeting of Congress’ newly constituted state election committee.

“He (Modi) must declare the seat in Uttar Pradesh or Gujarat from where he will contest elections,” he said.

Mr. Mistry, a known detractor of the Gujarat Chief Minister, had few days back said that Mr. Modi was unsure of success due to which he was not announcing the constituency.

On Congress’ preparations for the Lok Sabha, Mr. Mistry said the names of candidates from Uttar Pradesh are likely to be announced by February.

He said the names of the candidates were discussed and would be sent to the central screening committee.

On Rahul Gandhi’s absence from the meeting, Mr. Mistry said the Congress vice-president would attend the next meeting and hold formal and informal discussions.

When asked if he would contest Lok Sabha elections, he said, “If the party gives me the ticket.”

Regarding Union Steel Minister Beni Prasad Verma’s comments, Mr. Mistry said every person has his personal opinions.