Rumour has it that you may finally decide not to run from Radhanpur.
Ill definitely contest from there. Ive had the seatvacated, now Im not going to have another one vacated. It wouldnt be proper.
Is the Rashtriya Sant Samaj being set up to combat the VHP and itsHindu card in Radhanpur?
No. People have been coming to us from the VHP, the Kisan Sangh and the RSS, organisingthemselves as they see fit. We arent combating the VHP, we are ignoring them, noteven condemning the agitation. No one is taking them seriously. You see what happened tothe bandh.
So you are not cloning the VHP, Kisan Sangh, etc?
No. The RJP is open-minded, people can come. We are a regional party.We stand for regionalism, pride in the state and its culture. Our organisational set-up isdifferent, each worker is accountable, because he holds an identity-card.
Was Togadias arrest pre-planned?
We have only implemented cases started in the time of the previous BJP government headed by Sureshbhai Mehta. You know, there e wo lines in the BJP, pro-and anti-Vajpayee. It was Togadias job to create a law and order problem, perpetrate hinsa (violence) whenever Vajpayeeji appeared at a function.
Do you forsee further defections from the BJP?
People are coming to us from all levels, including local bodies. MLAs areupset and the party is divided. In due course, more people may come to us. It is in thepipeline.
Are you apprehensive about the Congress withdrawing support?
That is for them to decide. I think the decision of the high commandwill be positive. In fact, I will welcome their support in Radhanpur.
