Bengaluru, Apr 6 (UNI) Nirmala Sitharaman, the Union Finance Minister and a senior leader of the BJP, responded skeptically to Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge's claims regarding an RSS survey here on Saturday.
Dismissing Kharge's assertions, Sitharaman responded to an UNI query by saying, "You (media), yourself, have said that you don't know the veracity of this, so how can I comment on this?"
Kharge had earlier claimed that the BJP's performance in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, especially in Karnataka, might not meet expectations. He cited an RSS internal survey suggesting that the BJP might not secure more than 200 seats nationally and could struggle to win even 8 seats in Karnataka.
Kharge also mentioned internal conflicts within the BJP that could impact its electoral success in certain constituencies.
"An RSS internal survey indicates that the BJP is unlikely to secure more than 200 seats nationally and will struggle to win even 8 seats in Karnataka. The internal conflicts within the BJP could hinder their electoral success in several constituencies. In around 14 to 15 seats, there are disputes within the party," Kharge claimed.
In contrast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently expressed confidence in the BJP's electoral prospects, aiming for the party to win 370 seats nationwide and for the NDA alliance to secure over 400 seats in the parliamentary elections.
Moreover, the BJP has set ambitious goals to win all 28 Lok Sabha seats in Karnataka.
UNI BDN GNK