I don't know what I want, but people should. This is no longer beyond the realm of possibility. We are heading towards the most open-ended political scenario India has ever faced.

For the first time, two main parties -- the Congress and BJP are going down. They have lost steam, they have a crisis of leadership and direction. The Congress is an old family firm running on patronage and the BJP's Hindutva is not working, except in some areas like Gujarat.

As PM she will be able to handle the administration. She is handling UP pretty well. I remember Lalit Mansingh (the former Indian ambassador to the US) telling me that he was surprised the way Mayawati handled herself in the US. She was pretty sharp and met all the people she wanted to. She doesn't have a good command over English but with the help of interpreters she managed well.

Buy Mayawati's biography on Rediff Shopping!

Some people are edgy about her alleged penchant for wealth.

I have a chapter entirely on her assets. I have narrated her rags to riches fairy tale. This concern for corruption affects a very small number of people in India. I am sorry to say that. It is not a mass issue.

In spite of his clean image Manmohan Singh doesn't have a mass base. On the contrary, Mayawati with all the controversies has a large constituency and in fact her voters like her diamonds and silks.

People are very hypocritical in pointing fingers at Mayawati. Just look at the history of the Congress. There is some justification when Mayawati says that just because she is a Dalit and making money people are pointing fingers at her.

Image: Mayawati and Kanshi Ram speak to Lalit Mansingh during their US visit.

Also read: Mayawati's plans to rule India

Back

|

Next