Abu Azmi: ‘Why should people trust Cong, NCP if they ally with Sena (UBT) that hails Babri demolition’

*Why did you cut ties with the Maha Vikas Aghadi?

It is pointless to be part of an alliance when one party disrespects the religious sentiments of others by congratulating those involved in the demolition of the Babri Masjid. Since they [Shiv Sena (UBT)] have adopted a Hindutva stance, we had to make a decision.

*The Congress and the NCP are also part of the MVA. Will the SP’s move have any impact on their future steps?

I cannot comment on whether the Congress and the NCP will follow us and leave the alliance. However, these two parties have often portrayed themselves as secular… Why should voters trust them (Congress and NCP) if they are forming an alliance with the Shiv Sena (UBT) that openly praises those who have demolished the Babri Masjid?

*Since it joined the MVA, there was a perception that the Sena (UBT) had toned down its Hindutva stance. What is your take?

After a poor performance in the (recent Maharashtra) Assembly elections, Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders realised that calling themselves a secular party was not helping them. The BJP and the Shinde Sena are taking away their votes. That is why they have reverted to their Hindutva ideology.

*Did you expect Narvekar’s post on the Babri Masjid demolition?

They (Sena UBT) must have decided to post it because of the upcoming BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation) elections.

*The Sena at large has not shied away from its role in the demolition of the Babri Masjid. Why did you join hands with them in the first place?

They (Uddhav Sena) had publicly apologised for it. They said they had been with the wrong people (a reference to the BJP) and made a mistake by being with them for 30 years, and that they would not repeat it. They also started calling themselves a secular party.

The saying subah ka bhula agar shaam ko ghar aaye to use bhula nahi kehte (A person who forgets in the morning comes home in the evening) applies here.

*Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray has said the party boycotted the oath-taking ceremony of MLAs because of opposition to EVM irregularities. How do you view this?

We are fighting for the same issue. The developed countries that invented the system have given up on it (EVMs), so why are we still using it?

*Why did you still participate in the oath-taking ceremony Saturday?

People have voted for me and chosen me as their representative. I have to work for them, so I had to take the oath.

*What is the future of the MVA?

The MVA has no future if it does not stick together. This time (in Assembly polls), there was very little coordination between MVA parties. They did not ask for my opinion on seat-sharing. The SP won two seats in these Assembly elections. But if our alliance parties had supported us, we could have won more seats.