Yashwant Sinha vows UDA will work for a better Bihar
Ex-minister says it is reliable alternative for those suffering under NDA misrule
Former
Union finance minister Yashwant Sinha, who returned to active politics six years after quitting the BJP, tells Nayear Azad that his political front, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), will provide a credible alternative to people who have suffered for 15 years because of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and NDA government’s misrule in Bihar.
Excerpts from an interview:
What is the idea behind launching a new political front — the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) — ahead of the Assembly elections in Bihar?
Our agenda is clear –— Badlo Bihar, Banao Behtar Bihar (Change Bihar, Make a better Bihar). With no industrialisation, lack of infrastructure and large-scale migration, the state has failed to make any progress in the last fifteen years. Available data shows that Bihari farmers and workers are the poorest in the country. Adding to that, there has been no employment generation despite tall claims by the state government. Corruption is rampant and the law and order scenario is worsening. Unless these are addressed and duly rectified you cannot think of development and industrialisation. There are attempts to mislead people and hide the government’s failure ahead of Assembly elections.
Now that you have returned to active politics, what are your immediate plans?
I have been trying to formulate a front of various political parties and have also been in touch with leaders who are not part of the ruling alliance in the state. There are about 19 political parties, who have come on-board to take on to the present government. There are many who may approach us after we start distributing tickets but we have our benchmark. We will not join hands with any criminals in the state.
How many seats are you planning to contest?
The matter is being discussed with all partners in the United Democratic Alliance. We are planning to field candidates in all 243 seats and an announcement towards this would be made soon.
What will be your poll agenda?
Our United Democratic Alliance (UDA) is a movement for a better Bihar. Our effort is to get rid of present ills and initiate visionary schemes for the overall development of the state. People want better law and order, corruption-free society, industrialisation, infrastructure development, quality education and health system.
Almost all political parties have been holding virtual rallies in the state. Have you been in touch with people?
We have covered almost 90 per cent of the districts and the message has by and large gone to the people regarding our political front. We will continue to meet people and take their feedback. We are committed to provide a credible alternative to the people of the state, who have suffered for
15 years under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar NDA government’s misrule.