Will DMK form next govt in TN? Wait for two more days, says Karti Chidambaram

COIMBATORE: Congress leader Karti Chidambaram on Friday dismissed speculation over whether the DMK would form the next govt in Tamil Nadu, stating that such questions were based on assumptions and that all parties and alliances remain confident of victory.Karti was speaking to reporters at Coimbatore airport. When asked about exit polls, he said, “As far as I am concerned, we will know who has won only after the counting of votes. Let us wait for two more days.”Commenting on national media surveys, Chidambaram said both electronic and print media have increasingly turned opinion polls into a “cottage industry”. “Earlier, such surveys were based on certain assumptions. Now they are broadcast throughout the day and have become a business. On Monday, the verdict of voters in 75,000 polling booths will be known,” he saidHe added that the Congress party is functioning actively and has several capable leaders who can take up leadership roles. Responding to queries on the DMK’s prospects, he reiterated that all political parties, alliances and candidates are confident of winning. “I have never seen any political alliance lacking confidence. Everyone is facing the election with optimism,” he said.On the possible impact of TVK in the election, Chidambaram said such discussions could be taken up after the results were announced, and there was no need for speculation at present.