JOIN USBJP will do better, says Rajnath Singh
An unending stream of visitors - current and former MLAs, ex-state ministers and people from the constituencies - were making quick entry and exits. Singh is readily receiving all but the interactions are business-like, lasting only a few minutes.
It is time for fine-tuning constituency-wise strategy for UP’s 403 assembly seats . Singh is leading BJP’s election campaign in UP along with others like Kalraj Mishra, Lalji Tandon and Surya Pratap Shahi, the state president.
Being week-end and Parliament adjourned till Monday, the former party chief, 61, is ready to leave for the next cycle of campaigning. In an interview with Deepak K Upreti, the senior leader speaks on his role in UP but will not predict how many seats his party will add to its current tally of 51. There is no point making a guess, he seems to say. Excerpts:
Are you a prospective candidate?
There is no question of my being a candidate for the Vidhan Sabha.
What if the BJP gets the magic number and seeks to project you as a Chief Minister ?
No question of it. Even if we win a majority, I will not be a candidate for CM. I have my role well cut out at the centre.
What are the party’s prospects. BJP’s traditional forward caste supporters have shifted to Mayawati in 2007. Do you think they will return?
They are not happy with BSP; return they definitely will to the BJP.
Consolidation of brahmin votes largely helped BSP win the last assembly polls. BJP has not projected a single brahmin face in UP; Mishra and Tandon are old leaders and their individual charisma is limited. How can BJP take on the tough challenge of BSP, SP?
Response to my rallies has been very encouraging. We will better our performance.
Why does the BJP not encourage young leaders in UP . MP Varun Gandhi is also not campaigning in the UP election.
There are a number of young leaders in the state unit. Varun is also campaigning.
What is your take on Congress-RLD pre-poll alliance in western UP. How much would it help Congress vis a vis the BJP and other parties?
Whichever party went along with RLD remained a looser in UP. Congress will not benefit because of the alliance.
How many seats do you give BJP?
We are going for the majority. Every party goes to the election with this aim.
Which party will be hit most by the anti-corruption movement of Anna Hazare?
The Congress, of course; it will pay for the range of corruption scandals at the Centre.
The division of UP announced by Mayawati is helping her electoral strategy…
This is a poll stunt and not a genuine administrative step. It is not a poll issue.
Which way the muslim vote may swing. Would they remain loyal to the SP?
Shift in their voting would help the Congress and to some extent the BSP.
A fractured mandate looms large. Would the BJP again team up with the BSP?
Not with the BSP.