Wanted change in Bihar, but BJP ruined its chance with quota statement: Mulayam Singh

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“I wanted a change in Bihar. No development could take place in Bihar. The BJP had created an atmosphere that it was winning the polls. But one statement came on the reservation issue. It gave an issue to Lalu (RJD chief) and Nitish (Bihar CM). Even their opponents have softened their stand towards them… some even supported them,” Mulayam said.

‘My call made PM change his stand’
Claiming that the PM had changed his stand on communal harmony after Mulayam’s statement that three names from a single party have emerged as key suspects behind the Dadri lynching incident, the SP chief said: “After I said I will meet the PM, he went to meet the President within half an hour. Even the home minister supported us. The President also issued a statement and the PM supported him after my statement.”

Following the President calling for communal harmony, during his election rally in Bihar’s Nawada, the PM had urged Hindus and Muslims to work together to fight the common enemy of poverty and ignore “irresponsible” statements made by politicians, even if he himself makes any.

“There are some people who always say the right thing. Those who have a big heart, become big. Ideology may be different, but personal respect is always there. After all, it is not the question of socialism but of the country,” he added.

He said that some questions have been raised regarding the BJP, but he will not speak much on it as the Governor was also present at the function. “The Governor is also sitting here due to Lohiaji, a special welcome to him,” Mulayam said.

Message to Governor: ‘can’t be loved by all’
Referring to the blow-hot-blow-cold relationship between the Governor and the SP government, Mulayam told Naik: “Rajyapalji, hum bhi sabke priya nahi ho sakte (we cannot be loved by all). But we should not be worried and make efforts that majority is impressed by our deeds and actions.”

While claiming that he is in touch with locals at Dadri, Mulayam said: “Incidents have occurred in Varanasi (lathicharge on sadhus over immersion of Ganesha idol in Ganga) and Bisara in Dadri (Muslim man lynched over rumours of beef consumption). Now, in large numbers, Hindus have attended weddings of Muslims. I was in touch with them and had said there should not be any tension.” He added that he favours Lohia’s principal that Hindus and Muslims should protect each other wherever either of the communities is in majority. “There can be unity only from such relationships,” said the SP chief.

‘Akhilesh govt best, historical work done’
Praising his son Akhilesh Yadav’s government, Mulayam said: “I challenge everyone… no other state has done so much development works for people as in UP. When I met a senior BJP minister, he also said historical work has been done by constructing the Agra-Lucknow expressway… even people are feeling it.” He added that the government has fulfilled its poll manifesto, which has been copied by the Badal regime in Punjab.

Though the function was held to commemorate Lohia, Mulayam focused on BJP ideologue Deendayal Upadhyay and Jan Sangh.
Mulayam showered praise on Upadhayay while claiming that Lohia and Jan Sangh had entered into a pact to defeat the Congress. “I read Deendayal for the first time in jail during Emergency. Many Jan Sanghis and socialists were in jail together. After that, Janata Party was formed by Jan Sangh and socialists… Not a single Congress MP won from Calcutta to Chandigarh,” he said, adding that when Janata Party fragmented, the Congress returned to power.

“Lohia and Deendayal had entered into a pact of anti-Congressism at a Jaipur convention. It is sad that Deendayal died in an accident and Lohia passed away in 1967…” said Mulayam.

He added: “In the Calcutta convention, George Fernandes had attacked Lohia, saying that he won due to the support of Jan Sangh. George said that he is not the same Lohia of 1942 and 1947 but of 1963.”

Claiming that Lohia had then defended Jan Sangh, Mulayam said: “Lohia had said that Congress has given rise to encroachment on borders, price rise and corruption and not Jan Sangh… Sadly, now some leaders of BJP have drifted away from Deendayal’s ideology.”
Mulayam also maintained that he formed SP in 1992, as Lohia was overlooked by Congress during the 50th celebrations of the 1942 movement in Delhi. “I had direct connection with Lohia, who contested Lok Sabha polls from Kannauj, which included Bidhuna assembly seat of Etawah. I was then contesting from Jaswant Nagar. Indira Gandhi wanted Lohia’s defeat at all costs. She had fielded candidates from all castes, including Srikrishana Yadav, who got 8,000 votes. The remaining Yadavs voted for Lohia and he won by 572 votes. Later, Lohia had appreciated that Yadavs had saved him in the poll battle,” he said.