<P> Incumbent Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said that he would not return to his role should the INC get a majority or plurality . Rahul Gandhi told Dainik Bhaskar that he was "ready to take charge" of any responsibility the party gave him and he added that: "My focus for India is a long term vision, where all Indians are treated with equality, respect and are given equal opportunities ." At the party meeting it was decided not to name a prime ministerial candidate amid fears it would turn the election into a presidential one . This was criticised by the BJP . Gandhi would instead lead the party's campaign . He also called the election a turning point . Sonia Gandhi then said that the party will face upcoming challenges and the election with a "lot of determination;" she added that the election would be a battle for India . "Divisive forces are stretching social fabric to breaking point . Opposition's way is to spread disharmony . There's a face hidden behind the mask of compassion ." </P> <Dl> <Dt> Rahul Gandhi </Dt> </Dl> <P> In January, in an interview, Gandhi admitted that some Congress members may have been involved in the 1984 riots and further stated that Modi's government was responsible for pushing the 2002 riots while the Congress government in 1984 tried to stop the anti Sikh riots . Fellow UPA member, Praful Patel said that the 2002 matter should be put to rest . As Gandhi was reported to have sought an early declaration of the party's candidates, the INC was scheduled to hold its first meeting of the central election committee on 13 February to finalise all their candidates by the end of the month . Similarly, the screening committees for several unnamed part of the country had already occurred so as to shortlist the candidates . On 8 March, its list of 194 candidates was announced, including 35% of candidates that were below the age of 50 years . The INC was reported to be concerned by the possibility of a reduced mandate in Gandhi's seat of Amethi (Lok Sabha constituency) amidst an unusual challenge by his high - profile competitor, the BJP's Smriti Irani . It even led to his mother, Sonia, campaigning there for the first time in 10 years . </P> <Dl> <Dt> Opinion Polls </Dt> </Dl>

When did the last parliamentary election take place