Interview/ Javed Ali Khan, Rajya Sabha member
SENIOR SAMAJWADI PARTY leader Javed Ali Khan, who was a member of the INDIA bloc’s 13-member coordination committee, says the results of the Lok Sabha elections represent a powerful message that the people of the country have given to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP. Excerpts from an interview:
Q/ The INDIA bloc is jubilant. But the fact remains that the BJP has formed the government.
A/ Yes, the BJP has formed government. But it is also true that the opposition has many reasons to celebrate. The opposition has posted these numbers fighting against all odds, against the entire might of the Modi government which tried all the tricks in the book to make sure that we were at a disadvantage in the poll arena. Investigating agencies were misused, leaders were targeted, two chief ministers were arrested, there was a resource crunch, and yet the people ensured a powerful message was sent to Modi and the BJP.
Q/ Some opposition leaders have raised questions about the stability of the Modi government.
A/ Whether they are able to draft a common agenda or a common minimum programme and what is there in it will give us an idea about how stable this government is. The BJP's style of functioning has been such that it has weakened its allies. Look at even the parties that offered the BJP tacit support in Parliament, such as the BJD and the YSR Congress. Where are they now? The BJP does not have a majority of its own, so it will also be tempted to break parties to increase its number.
Q/ Can the INDIA bloc remain united?
A/ During the previous term of the Modi government, the opposition parties were united in their floor management. On all contentious issues, the opposition parties had a united stand. Now, the opposition parties have a much enhanced presence in the Lok Sabha. And it is also true that we have got these numbers because we were united. So there is an incentive for us to maintain our unity.
Q/ Would the SP-Congress alliance continue in the assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh in 2027?
A/ Three years is a long time. But it is in the benefit of the two parties to consolidate their unity. There is no reason why the alliance should not continue in Uttar Pradesh. The understanding that was evident between the leadership of the two parties during the campaign for the Lok Sabha elections, the bonding that we saw between Akhilesh Yadav and Rahul Gandhi shows that the alliance should continue. There is incentive for the two parties in doing so, and the sentiment of the people is also for the alliance to continue.
Q/ The SP is the second largest party in the opposition bloc. What are your expectations of how the opposition moves ahead?
A/ According to the Election Commission's definition, the Samajwadi Party is a regional party. But our party has always had a national outlook towards issues. We have also taken a stand on international issues. Our party will have an important role to play on national issues and our leader Akhilesh Yadav is an experienced and mature leader. Our stand will always be dictated by what the people's expectation is of the opposition.