‘No logic behind row over Jinnah portrait on AMU campus’

LUCKNOW: National president of the Republican Party of India (RPI) and union minister of state for social justice and empowerment Ramdas Athawale, who was in Lucknow on Saturday to attend a party programme, said he was with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and would remain in the NDA in 2019. He, however, claimed that Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav was a good friend of his. In an interview with Brajendra K Parashar, Athawale spoke on various issues including preparations for 2019 Lok Sabha elections and controversy over Jinnah’s portrait at AMU. Excerpts:

What brings you to Lucknow this time?

I had to attend a party programme organised at a village near Lucknow. Besides, I also called on governor Ram Naik to express gratitude to him for taking the initiative to get the name of Dr BR Ambedkar rectified. I also met BJP state general secretary, organisation, Sunil Bansal to discuss certain issues in view of Lok Sabha elections in 2019.

Would you like to disclose discussions with Sunil Bansal?

The RPI wants to contest two-three Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh in 2019 in alliance with the BJP. Aligarh, Hathras and Ambedkar Nagar may be among the seats that we would like the BJP to leave for us. Bansal has assured us that he would discuss the issue with BJP state president Mahendra Nath Pandey. Many Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leaders are in touch with us and the RPI candidates in Lok Sabha polls will benefit the BJP in UP.

How do you see the indications of the SPBSP joining hands for Lok Sabha elections?

The alliance, if it takes place at all, may have an impact on 25-30 seats in UP. In that case, people will vote keeping in mind the welfare schemes of the Narendra Modi government like distribution of LPG connections, household electrification, availability of toilets and houses to the poor.

There is a lot of controversy over the portrait of Mohammad Ali Jinnah at the AMU students’ union hall. What do you have to say?

Both the sides are stretching the issue too far. But I see no logic in the demand for removal of the portrait that has been there since pre-Independence era.

Many Scheduled Caste leaders have raised a banner of revolt within the BJP alleging atrocities against Dalits. What is your take?

They must be looking for excuses to leave the party for some greener pastures. Otherwise, there is no reason why they should complain against the party. Atrocities against Dalits take place under all the governments. Under the present regime, more cases are being registeredr. Atrocities have to do with the caste system that continues to prevail in the country.

What is your party’s stand on the SC/ST Act that many feel stands somewhat diluted after the Supreme Court’s order?

There is no doubt the provisions of the SC/ST Act are sometimes misused like any other law. But it is an important deterrent and our party is against its dilution. We have even filed a petition in the Supreme Court in this regard.

How do you view the BJP leaders dining at the houses of dalits and controversies related to

it?

The gesture may weaken the caste system.