How strong will be the Bahujan Samaj Party-Congress alliance in Uttar Pradesh?
Very strong. I am confident that the alliance is going to win the polls in Uttar Pradesh hands down.
Will such an alliance be possible in other states?
Of course, yes. We are working towards that goal.
But you have called the Congress a Manuwadi party. How have you changed your views overnight?
Tell me which party is not Manuwadi? Now I feel the Congress has been reduced to a 'C' team as the BJP gets the 'A' grade and the United Front 'B'. All of them want to give only lip sympathy to weaker sections and backward communities. My effort is to ensure that the BSP, with the help of the Congress, comes to power at the Centre as well as in the states.
Do you think the Congress will allow you to cherish your dream?
Only time will tell.
What will happen to the alliance if Narasimha Rao loses the party presidentship, either before or after the AICC session?
My support should help him keep his presidentship 'gaddi' intact!
What kind of an alliance or understanding does your party propose to have with the Janata Dal in Uttar Pradesh in the assembly polls?
Wait and see.
Will you ever forgive your former partner Mulayam Singh Yadav and his Samajwadi Party?
No comments.
Who do you consider your party's main enemy—the BJP or Mulayam Singh Yadav?
I've no enemies in politics. Only opponents. If the BJP is No. 1, Mulayam is No. 2.
Will you respond to the call of UF leaders to form a secular front to prevent the BJP from coming back to power in Lucknow?
With how many parties can I have an alliance? My effort is to ensure that the BSP comes to power with the help of the Congress. If I consider everyone's demands, my party will be pushed back. The BSP should have better bargaining power. If I fail to ensure this, my whole exercise will go waste.
Do you expect the Muslims to support the alliance in UP?
Muslims are a confused lot today. They are fighting against themselves. As of now, they may be with the United Front. Doesn't matter. I don't want anyone's mercy to come to power.
