"Foreign Powers Are Behind Sonia"

Comment on the political situation.

Sonia's leadership is dangerous for the country. For 15 years this woman did not take Indian citizenship. She went to Tiru-pati just to show that she has become a Hindu. Prime minister banne se pahele hi gundagardi (All these antics before becoming prime minister.) And now she is hell-bent upon becoming the prime minister.

Is there a pattern to Sonia's rise?

Foreign powers are responsible for bringing Sonia close to prime ministership. Not letting Indira Gandhi wear a bullet-proof jacket on the day of the assassination, not accompanying Rajiv to the South for the election campaign—these show there is a conspiracy. Her role has been dubious; the government should set up an inquiry.

How do you see Vajpayee as a PM?

He has been a successful PM. Despite the contradictions, managing 98 parties and a person like Jayalalitha is commendable.

You'd accused him of putting Hindutva on the backburner?

There were no hindrances in the path of Hindutva during this period. If he had put Hindutva issues on the back-burner, the opponents would not have cried foul. (Indrajit) Gupta kept saying that the government is run by Ashok Singhal, Acharya Giriraj Kishor and Vinay Katiyar.

But the Sangh's opposition to the Vajpayee government is well known.

Nothing is wrong with having a difference of opinion, even fathers and sons may differ. It doesn't mean there was enmity. It didn't go beyond a point.

What plans does the VHP have to counter Sonia?

These plans are not disclosed in the media. And there is no plan as such. We are not against Christians, we are against the Church. There are districts where the Christian population has increased by 40 per cent.

For the last year I've been saying that because of Sonia, Christianity is spreading in India. Christians have been appointed in every important post in the Congress. The Congress was founded by a foreigner, A.O. Hume, and now a foreigner has become its head who will write its epitaph.

Do you see any possibility of a change in leadership in the BJP?

If BJP forms the government it will be under Vajpayee's leadership. I can't say about the next election, the BJP has to decide on that. But as long as Atalji is there, I don't think it is possible for Advani to lead.