Kochi: The secular and progressive forces should stand in unity to check the growth of BJP which has raised serious challenge the secular fabric of the country, said NCP president Sharad Pawar. Speaking to reporters here on Saturday Mr Pawar said when BJP was making gains the secular foundations of the country are being questioned.
“There is a need for forming an anti-BJP front,” he said.
Mr Pawar also said it was a matter of regret that while BJP was making gains at one end of the political spectrum, there was no other big party to counter its growth at the other end.
“Congress can take initiatives on many issues. But that party alone cannot carry all the responsibilities. All like-minded parties should be brought together for forming an alternative,” he added.
On NCP extending support to the BJP in Goa, he said the decision was taken to avoid the situation of having another election.
“We thought Congress would be taking steps to form the ministry there as some regional parties were ready to extend support. But there was no initiative from the Congress even three days after the results were announced,” he said.
Meanwhile, he has given a clear indication that former transport minister A.K. Saseendran can come back as minister if the allegations against him were proved wrong.
He said Saseendran’s successor himself has explained this. “Thomas Chandy had said this the day the party decided to nominate him as the minister. Even I read the statement made by Chandy on that day”, he said.
Mr Chandy, who was with Mr Pawar on dais however remained non-committal on the issue.
