Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today asserted that the Congress party would approach the 2014 Lok Sabha polls with self-confidence, irrespective of the poll projections of the just concluded elections in five states. Answering questions after delivering the keynote address at the 11th Hindustan Times Leadership Summit in New Delhi, Dr.Singh said, the Congress is an organised party and it cannot underestimate the power of Opposition to unsettle the ship of the state. He also said, he takes opponents very seriously and there is no room for complacency.

Earlier in his address, Dr. Singh criticised those who try to accuse the entire political class of being corrupt and spread cynicism. The Prime Minister said, the 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 provinical elections. The Prime Minister also rejected a poser that the Communal Violence Bill is a vote-catching gimmick and said, the government's effort is to ensure that if riots can't be prevented, there should be adequate compensation for the victims.

Dr Singh said, the rate of economic growth more than doubled to an annual average of over 7 per cent and the economy was put on an upward trajectory in the last 20 years. He said, economic growth, social change and political empowerment have brought in their wake, the new aspirations of an entirely new generation. Dr Singh said, these aspirations and ambitions are exerting pressure on governments to deliver more, perform better and be more transparent and more efficient.

Dr. Singh said, it was also never allowed for challenges to weaken our faith in ourselves, in our democracy, in its principles and in India’s destiny.