NEW DELHI: Former Minister V.P. ‘Singh has advised Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati and Bahujan. Samaj Party (BSP) chief Kanshi Ram to distance themselves from the Bharatiya Janata Party at the earliest to save their political and social base.
Addressing a press conference, Singh, however, denied that the Janata Dal had committed itself to supporting Ms. Mayawati’s Government in the state. ‘As far as voting (in the legislative Assembly) disconcerted, it won’t say anything. Only the Political Affairs Committee (PAC) can decide. The Janata Dal has its own problems. They cannot see themselves being bracketed with the BJP. The Dal has also to Keep in mind that it does not hurt the SC/ST sentiment, Then there is the State unit of the party whose aspirations have also to be taken into account, Singh said, indicating that the Dal may not be able to extend support to a BJP supported Government.
He justified the ongoing talks with the BSP leaders saying that “till such time as they part company with the BJP, It is important to keep the channels of dialogue open with them.
Singh was seeptical about the prospects of the new alliance, “In my meeting with them I told them if you implement your ideological line they will force you in a different direction. Either adopt their line ‘or be ready for a clash. You did this (brought down the Mulayam Singh Yadav Government) to save your MLAs, Now if you have to save your base, sacrifice your Government, Otherwise, save your Government and sacrifice your base, It is a hard political choice.
Article extracted from this publication >> June 23, 1995
