New Delhi:
As counting day nears, the 'what ifs' are gaining ground. If the Congress doesn't emerge as the single largest party, it could either sit in the Opposition, or back a Third Front government from outside. So which one will it be?
Officially, the party is not answering that question.
"We will form the government, it can't be done without us," is the only thing what Congress leader Kapil Sibal said.
But there are the pros and cons that are being debated by the party if it sits in the Opposition.
- Pros: It will strengthen the party in long term and groom Rahul Gandhi for the top job.
- Cons: Being out of power is political suicide and will give space to the BJP.
Congress is leaning against backing a Third Front government because the party believes it would be an unstable coalition and its base would be undermined.
In the end, of course, everything will depend on the numbers. And so far the Congress is confident that no government can be formed without them in the lead.