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The intriguing silence of the BJP national vice-president and
former chief minister Kalyan Singh for four days following the
announcement of the BSP-BJP alliance was cause enough for much
controversy. In this interview with Principal Correspondent SUBHASH
MISHRA, the first after the formation of the coalition Government,
Kalyan Singh clears the air Excerpts:
Q. Why was the state leadership kept in the dark before the BJP-BSP
pact?
A. No, this is not correct. We were briefed about the developments
going on in New Delhi. But the secrecy of the coalition is the
major factor behind its success.
Q. How have you compromised on your stand that the BJP, having the
largest number of MLAs with it, should have its chief minister?
A. In a coalition government, somebody has to give something, and
somebody has to take something. The chief ministership is a trivial
issue. We accepted the offer to make Mayawati the chief minister
in the first term of six months.
Q. Last time, when Mayawati was the chief minister, you levelled
serious allegations of corruption against her. Yet, you have
accepted her as chief minister again.
A. "Biti taahi bisaar de" (forget the past). And I will not speak
a single word because it will create bitterness between the two
parties.
Q. Why didn't you respond to the news of a coalition government
between the BJP and the BSP during the last four days? Are you
dissatisfied?
A. No, I'm satisfied and happy too. I did not speak during the last
four days because the national leaders were already talking to the
press.
Q. The BJP is in power in Uttar Pradesh, and you are out of it.
How are you feeling about this?
A. (Smiles wryly) I am not feeling odd. This government has to be
successful. This is our government and its success will have
far-reaching consequences at the national level. For the success of
the Government, Mayawati will have to implement her priorities in
letter and in spirit. Transfers and postings should be purely on
the basis of merit, and caste should not be a factor. People will
not spare us if we fail to live up to their expectations.
Q. Will the Steering Committee have some kind of unconstitutional
power?
A. No, it will only monitor the Government's functioning and we
will discuss if we slacken anywhere.
Q. What is your stand on the Ayodhya issue?
A. The BJP stand on the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya
is still firm. But for that we require our government at the
Centre.
Q. Your alliance with the BSP has been described as opportunistic.
A. I totally rule out this. But this is a novel experiment. Its
success will enhance social harmony. Those calling it an
opportunistic alliance should see their 13-party "gutka" alliance.
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