New Delhi: Buoyed by polls showing an improved performance by it, Congress today (April 27, 2004) claimed that the party along with its allies and Left parties was heading for "a clear majority" in the Lok Sabha elections and ruled out taking support of any National Democratic Alliance (NDA) ally while it appeared to keep its options open on a tie-up with Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP).

"We and our allies and Left parties will have a clear majority in this elections. We do not share your (media) opinion that the 14th Lok Sabha is likely to be hung. Trends indicate that secular forces will get a clear verdict," party spokesman S Jaipal Reddy told reporters.

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After analysing the reports received from party sources in States which went to polls yesterday in the second phase, he said, "This is our well-considered conclusion."

On whether the new-found confidence within the party would mean that it was shutting its doors for Bahujan Samaj Party and Samajwadi Party, he evaded a direct reply, saying, "Doors are being shut only for those who are allies of the ruling BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) in this electoral battle. They are not welcome to us."

Asked to comment on Samajwadi Party's remark that it would strive to provide a secular alternative at the Centre after the elections, Reddy said, "Though this party is not our ally anywhere in the country and we are facing each other in Uttar Pradesh, we do recognise it as a secular-minded party."

On the issue of leadership of the secular alliance, Reddy reiterated that the allies would discuss the matter after the polls and "it is still open".