The AICC general secretary told The Indian Express that the “outsiders” had been picked where the Congress could not find strong potential candidates in its cadres, “but 70 per cent tickets have been given to Congressmen”.

Asked about the biggest challenge before the party now, Singh said, “We have to ensure that all Congressmen work and campaign vigorously for the party candidates.”

“It is a very crucial election. This time, we announced our candidates much earlier giving them enough time to campaign. We believe that the Congress has certainly gained ground this time and we are certain to emerge as number one.”

On complaints from partymen that many people with a criminal background had been given the ticket, Singh said the criminal cases on Congress candidates were “not heinous”.