UDA will provide credible alternative to people of Bihar, promises Yashwant
Former BJP leader and Union finance minister Yashwant Sinha, who returned to active politics after a gap of six years, told the Asian Age in an interview that his political front United Democratic Alliance ( UDA) will provide a credible alternative to people who have suffered 15 years of misrule by chief minister Nitish Kumar and the NDA government in Bihar.
Q: What is the idea behind launching a new political front - United Democratic Alliance ( UDA) ahead of assembly elections in Bihar?
A: Our agenda is clear – Badlo Bihar, Banao Behtar Bihar ( Change Bihar, Make Better Bihar). With no industrialization, lack of infrastructure and large scale migration the state has failed to make any progress in the last fifteen years. Data shows that Bihari farmers and workers are the poorest in the country and there has been no employment generation despite tall claims by the state government being led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
The corruption and law and order scenario is also
bad in the state. Unless that is rectified you cannot think of development and industrialization in Bihar. The 15 years versus 15 years narrative is also being built to mislead people and hide the state government’s failure ahead of assembly elections.
Q: Since that you have returned to active politics now, what are your plans?
A: 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 joined hands 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.
Q: How many seats are you planning to contest during the assembly elections? A: The matter is being discussed with all political parties and leaders who have joined our front – United Democratic Alliance. We are planning field candidates on all 243 seats and an announcement regarding the issue will be made soon.
Q: What will be your poll agenda?
A: Our UDA is a movement for 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, corruptionfree society, industrialization, infrastructure development, better education and health system.
Q: Almost all political parties have been holding virtual rallies in the state. Have you been in touch with people?
A: We have covered almost 90 per cent districts in the state and 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 15 years of misrule by chief minister Nitish Kumar.