By IANS,
New Delhi : Political developments of the day in quotes:
Ajit Singh, Rashtriya Lok Dal (RSP) chief:
“After talking with many leaders of different parties, we discussed their views in our party meeting. We are going to vote against the UPA government.”
On Mayawati becoming Prime Minister, Ajit Singh said: “Any politician can become a prime minister. The public should support. Mayawati is a very strong politician.”
Mayawati, Bahujan Samaj Party chief and Uttar Pradesh chief minister:
“We have the numbers to topple the government. The government has to be ousted. All the MPs are working towards this. We have a one-point agenda – to topple the government. I am completely sure of the figures.”
“I have told them that they should resign from their party, fight elections and join us. Tell me where, who and how much has been spent on buying MPs. There has been no horse-trading. The truth is (Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh) Yadav and company have been trying to save the government at any cost and break BSP ranks,” Mayawati said.
Prakash Karat, Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) general secretary:
“We wish to warn the government that in case you lose the trust vote, don’t try to push the deal. Otherwise, there will be a revolt in the country. The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) would be toppled in Tuesday’s trust vote.”
“The Left parties, the United National Progressive Alliance (UNPA), the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and other smaller parties now have the numbers on their side to topple the UPA government in the vote of confidence.”
“This is not the first time that the Samajwadi Party is doing so. It has betrayed the country and others twice earlier in 1999 and in 2002. This is the third time. They have no business to blame us for going with the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party). The UPA government had failed on all fronts and was only committed to the Bush administration,” said Karat.
Shibu Soren, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) chief:
“There have been lots of talks. Some good and some bad. Our MPs took a decision after seeing the current political situation and we have decided that we will vote for the Congress and the UPA government.”
“We also decided that we should stay with those we have been with.”
He said his party has been offered “two central ministerial berths. We will do politics from both the centre and the state (Jharkhand)”.
M. Veerappa Moily, Congress spokesperson:
“We have the numbers.”
Mulayam Singh Yadav, Samajwadi Party Chief:
“Lal Jhanda aur Lal Krishna Advani ek ho gaye hain (The Left parties and BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani have become one). The government will bounce back. You will be surprised to see the number of people who support the government.”
“We have suspended five (MPs). But despite the defection, 39 members will vote for the government. Our numbers are intact. Those who have left had become traitors much before. Only one ran away yesterday. You wait and see our numbers when others come to us. You will be shocked and watch it with open eyes,” Mulayam Singh said.
“The Left parties, the BSP and the BJP are one. Mayawati has praised (Gujarat chief minister) Narendra Modi as the best chief minister and the Left wants Mayawati to become the prime minister.”
Shafiqur Rahman Barq, Samajwadi Party MP from Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh:
“L.K. Advani is India’s own Bush.”
H.D. Deve Gowda, Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) supremo and former prime minister:
“The smaller parties will be meeting on July 23 to discuss the future programme and plan of action. I want to announce that all our three MPs have unanimously decided to vote against the UPA.”