New Delhi, 6 December 2013

Prime minister Manmohan Singh on Friday disagreed with those in the Congress who were dismissive of the challenge posed by Narendra Modi but asserted that the party would approach the 2014 Lok Sabha polls with self— confidence, irrespective of the results of the just concluded elections in five states.

“As it is an organised party, we cannot underestimate the power of Opposition to unsettle the ship of the state. Therefore, I am one of those who take very seriously our opponents. There is no room for complacency,” he said.

The prime minister was answering questions after delivering the keynote address at the 11th Hindustan Times Leadership Summit here. He was asked by the audience about different views among his cabinet colleagues, one of whom has stated that the challenge posed by Modi should be taken seriously while another has dismissed the challenge posed by BJP’s prime ministerial candidate.

The prime minister said, “Congress party is going to the elections with the spirit of self-confidence and that should not be mistaken whatever may be the outcome of the state elections.