It is said there was considerable pressure on you from Delhi and that you acted at the instructions of the powers that be?
No. There was no pressure from the Centre. Whatever pressure was there it was from the parties here which contended they had 234 MLAs opposed to the BJP in their ranks. In fact, I won’t even call it pressure. It was a submission of their claim.
Why didn’t you give a chance to the largest single party, the BJP, to form the government?
It was a difficult decision. Do you give a party which itself admits it is 32 MLAs short of the majority to assume the reins of office? And on what basis could I take their word that they would prove the majority after the formation of the government?
But you could have always dismissed the government if it indulged in horse trading?
You cannot dismiss a government once it obtains a majority. But when 234 MLAs were saying they were opposed to the BJP, how could I have invited the BJP? That’s what I told BJP leaders. Had they got 200 seats, the Independents would’ve made up the balance, I wouldn’t have batted an eyelid.
With the BJP deciding to challenge Central rule, how are you going to justify your recommendation?
We consulted legal and constitutional experts. The decision is absolutely valid. I am not a partisan governor. If you want to say I’m power-hungry and that I recommended Central rule to get my tenure extended—I’m sorry, you’re wrong. I’ve seen enough power.
But doesn’t the Sarkaria panel report clearly say that the question of majority can be decided only on the floor of the House?
This is a matter which can be debated in court. I’ve no problem. I’ve been just to all the parties.
Do you expect a lasting political alliance to emerge soon?
I’m very hopeful. Any type of group can emerge. It’s for the parties to work it out. The assembly has been constituted and every party would like to avoid fresh election at all costs.
Are you in favour of a secular government?
What is ‘secular’? I’ve nothing to do with secular or non-secular governments. What I want is a majority government. If someone comes and says he has 213 MLAs, I won’t ask him to parade them before me, but he’ll have to tell me the basis of his claim before I proceed further.
