Jayalalithaa has taken strong exception to the promise in the BJP's election manifesto to provide refuge to persecuted Hindus from other countries as being "anti secular." She pointed out that besides Hindus, there are Indians abroad of other religions as well. Banerjee has also not spared Modi, emphasising that his becoming prime minister "is a fantasy."
Depending on the results that will be announced on May 16, the Congress could back a Third Front or Federal Front government, as it has done in the late eighties and nineties. A lot will also depend on how many seats the Congress itself wins in the elections.
The most important factor is whether a Third or a Federal Front is in a position to provide a stable government at the centre, Congress spokesperson Ajay Maken observed. It is apparent the Congress is not averse to backing such a front to keep the BJP out of contention.
Nonetheless, there will be a big question mark about its stability.
