NO LEVEL-PLAYING GROUND IN THIS ELECTION: KHARGE

AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge speaks exclusively to Bansy Kalappa, on a range of issues, including electoral bonds.

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How do you see this poll different from the past two elections? You had been to Nagpur, Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan. What is the pulse of the people?

There is no level-playing ground. This election is different from other ones as the government is interfering, harassing and suppressing opposition parties. They are squeezing their resources and threatening people. Those who are supporting Congress or the INDIA Alliance are being threatened.

In previous elections they did have all this. Now they are launching personal attacks, even on families, hitting below the belt. This was not there earlier. Even the poorest man used to contest boldly and put his views against the government. Today, if we point out any mistake of the government, the ED, I-T are activated.

I have seen 12 elections, but have never seen this kind of intimidating tactic to win elections. Former PM Deve Gowda who had said that he wants to be born a Muslim in his next birth, has changed under pressure. When a man at 91 changes his views, what about poor people? Today Deve Gowda has gone with BJP. I saw Deve Gowda's interview and he said Modi is the only person who can become PM. I believe no one is indispensable. This government is harassing everybody. Because of this, some are going to BJP. People who are very committed to the Constitution are still fighting.