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NOT withdrawing support from UPA: Mulayam
In an exclusive interview to IBN network, Samajwadi Party Chief Mulayam Singh Yadav ruled out any possibility of withdrawing support to the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government. But he speculated that the Congress party will go in for an early general election, possibly by November 2013.
While coming heavily down upon the Congress party for misusing the CBI, calling it a cheat and scam tainted party, Mulayam reiterated that it was his political compulsion to continue the support to the UPA. He has categorically denied joining hands with BJP.
Here are the highlights of the interview:
On the prime minister's statement that the Samajwadi Party is likely to withdraw support
There is no strained relationship with the Congress. I've no idea why he said that. There is no talk of withdrawal of support even within our party. This is a fact that the Congress government is a party deeply marred by scams and known for misusing the Central Bureau of Investigation and income tax officials. It's not only with us, there was all-out effort to misuse I-T officials.
On withdrawing support to the UPA
There is no issue or situation to withdraw the support now. If we are criticising, we want the government to mend its ways. The Congress government has completed four years full of corruption. You are talking about this and taking action against others.
But who is responsible for the 1.7lakh crore scam. The recent military chopper scam. There is no responsibility on Congress. Nobody from the Congress has been held responsible and they may again shift the blame to some other ally.
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On supporting the Congress
It's a political compulsion. We have been fighting against the communal forces. When we were fighting alone against the communal forces, only (former prime minister) Chandrasekharji was in touch with us.
After Ayodhya, it was for us to protect the unity of this country otherwise the Muslims would have felt nobody stood by them.
The BJP is not changing its stand on Muslims, Kashmir and Ayodhya. I've raised this point in the house. Change your views and accept the reality as it is. Now they are saying it's an emotional issue. But country can't be run on emotions, country runs as per law, as per constitutional provisions.
On early elections
I know the Congress party. I've fought against the Congress and the BJP as well. There was nobody with us at that time.
Elections will not happen in May. There will be early elections. This is the analysis. Elections will happen this year itself -- may be in November. The election process of all parties has already begun.
On getting closer to BJP
What is the meaning of being cozy to the BJP? If I've fought with anybody then it was Advaniji. When I was fighting against the BJP, the Congress was a silent spectator.
The people have appreciated my statement on Advaniji. But it's strange that the leaders from both the parties – the Congress and the BJP are criticising me.
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On the Third Front
Whenever the Third Front has come to existence, nobody had any prior idea about its formation. It came spontaneously. I think this time also it will happen like this. Many parties will come with us.
After the elections, if the situation demanded the parties may come together and form the third front. The third front has come to existence after the election.
On criticising the Congress
"I'm not a member of the Congress party to praise them. I'm also not a member of the BJP. I talk only as per the plans and policies of the Samajwadi Party.
I'm calling the Congress a cheat -- but not all the leaders. The Congress is being misled by the leaders those who don't have popular mandate with them.
On desire to become PM
I've never thought of becoming prime minister. I've also no desire now.
On Union Steel Minister Beni Prasad Verma
I don't want to talk about him. He does not have any credibility. His daughter lost her deposit, and under his leadership, they have lost all five seats. He is now engaged in sycophancy. It seems as if the steel minister will be running the Congress, not Soniaji.
The one with a narrow mind will not seek apology. The leaders who apologised are the people with big hearts and open minds. Soniaji is not a small leader. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath showed a very gracious gesture.
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On Advani vs Manmohan Singh
I don't want to compare leaders.
On the CBI misuse
It's not against us alone. The CBI was misused against DMK chief Karunanidhi's daughter (Kanimozhi), against their ministers. The IT department and the CBI are in their hands. They question us whenever they want. This means that all the leaders of the Congress party whether in power or out of power are honest!
On the ground realities in Uttar Pradesh
I had talked about few ministers and I showed these ministers to the chief ministers. It's also true that in the country today in no state, the development work is being implemented properly.
Here (in UP) we have given employment; under the Kanya Vidyadhan scheme, we are providing Rs 30,000 for the girls for higher studies. We are giving free medicines and medical facilities. We are giving free water to farmers. We have withdrawn the farmers' loan to the tune over Rs 1,600 crore.
On a deal with the BJP
All parties of the country may come together with the BJP, but the Samajwadi Party will never join hands with them.
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