After a decade in power, India’s ruling Congress party concedes that it is headed to defeat as vote counting in the world’s largest election was underway.
The mammoth election appears likely to unseat Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s two-term Congress Party after a rash of high-profile corruption scandals, stubborn inflation and slowed economy.
The party’s spokesman Randeep Surjewala told CNN, “Trends indicate a victory for the opposition alliance.
“We bow before the wishes of the people of India with all humility. We will continue to play the role assigned to us. We will try with greater vigor and determination to work with the large populace of this country.”
Seen as father of India’s economic reforms, the 81-year-old, Oxford-educated Singh has been prime minister for India’s governing coalition led by his Indian National Congress party since May 2004. On Tuesday, he bade farewell to his staff, just three days ahead of the vote count.
