Chennai: BJP senior and party’s former State president C.P. Radhakrishnan tore into his party’s former ally, Vaiko, MDMK chief, accusing him of shifting loyalties. Unlike him, BJP has a long history of not ditching its allies, he says in an interview to DC. Excerpts.
Q BJP is back where it was – without major allies to fight on its side this Assembly election?
As a party we are strong enough to contest in all 234 Assembly constituencies. The presence of allies would only strengthen our cause of ensuring an alternative government. There are other parties which will join our combine. Unlike other parties, BJP has a long history of not ditching its allies.
Q MDMK leader Vaiko levelled a serious allegation against BJP offering RS seat and Cabinet positions to woo DMDK.
Everyone knows about Vaiko. He has no moral right to say so. He is conducting himself like a puritan. We never make political offers. The only offer from our side is: come with us to improve the lot of the people.
Q But Vaiko’s accusation presents BJP in poor light.
Vaiko has a track record of shifting loyalties. A decade ago, he was in DMK alliance. When DMK conference was underway in Tiruchi, he signed for 35 seats with AIADMK. What’s the reason behind this? What was the offer from AIADMK he got. Vaiko should explain. When M. K. Stalin (DMK treasurer) visited his house, to invite him to his family wedding, Vaiko said he would go with DMK then. But four days later, he made a u-turn changing his stand.
Q Are corruption and total prohibition, only issues BJP will face the polls?
Tamil Nadu has always been a water-starved state and nothing has been done by successive ruling parties to improve the situation. The BJP will evolve a roadmap for better irrigation and agriculture projects and ensure Tamil Nadu prospers.
