`I can never support the BJP'

Interview with Mulayam Singh Yadav.

Samajwadi Party (S.P.) president and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav, potentially an important political player in the post-poll scenario, scotched rumours that he could go with the National Democratic Alliance in case there is a hung Parliament. He told Purnima S. Tripathi, in the midst of hectic electioneering, that he could never go with the BJP because of its divisive politics and his ideological differences with it. He is hopeful of a non-BJP government coming to power at the Centre and says that his party will extend issue-based support to such a government. Excerpts from the interview:

There is speculation that you could support the BJP if there is a hung Parliament. What do you have to say on this?

Anyone who knows me can never say such a thing. It is like abusing me. I have all along opposed communal forces. I have spent my entire life fighting these forces. Tell me, who is actually defeating the BJP in Uttar Pradesh, which is the stronghold of communal forces? I can never support the BJP.

Then would you support a Congress-led government?

Our party will sit after the polls and decide. We shall give or take support based on issues.

Why has the speculation gained ground that you could support the BJP?

This is the result of a conspiracy by the communal forces in order to divide the non-BJP vote and create confusion. But my supporters, both Hindus and Muslims, know me and they are not going to be confused.

Would you support Sonia Gandhi's candidature as Prime Minister?

This will depend on the number of seats the Congress gets. But I don't see the Congress winning too many seats and there will have to be a coalition government. In that case all the coalition partners will have to sit together and decide whom they will support.

RJD president Laloo Yadav has said there will be no place for you in such a coalition government?

Who is Laloo to decide my place anywhere? I have always had to struggle to take my place in politics and shall do so in future also. I don't believe in acquiring power through charity.

Do you see yourself as a future Prime Minister?

Who am I to decide that? It is for the people to decide.