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The Harkishan Singh Surjeet ChatMinutes after the CPI-M Politburo ended its two day meeting in Delhi, its general secretary Harkishan Singh Surjeet arrived for the Rediff Chat. The man, who has been described by some newspapers as India's real prime minister, was assertive and eloquent, confronting his audience head-on, only giving the go-by to a couple of thorny questions, both incidentally involving his comrade and friend, West Bengal Chief Minister Jyoti Basu.
As a guide to contemporary politics in India, the Surjeet
transcript is invaluable. Preserve it!
Nikhil Lakshman: (Tue Jan 14 19:57:13 1997 IST):
Comrade Surjeet, thank you for agreeing to
appear on the Rediff Chat, despite your
schedule. It is wonderful to have
you with us tonight and we look forward
to your views on the many issues confronting
India today. HARKISHAN SINGH SURJEET (Tue Jan 14 19:58:48 1997 IST):
Hello everyone, I am ready for your questions. Ahmed Hussain (Tue Jan 14 20:00:41 1997 IST):
Goold evening, Mr Singh. Do you agree with your comrade Jyoti Basu that not
joining the UF govt was a blunder? HARKISHAN SINGH SURJEET (Tue Jan 14 20:00:43 1997 IST):
Mr Nikhil Lakshman, Thank you for the programme. I am ready for all the questions. Prakash Joshi-TOI (Tue Jan 14 20:01:34 1997 IST):
Mr Singh: What do you think about the Congress Party's refusal to vet budget proposals? Sadasivam Balagopal (Tue Jan 14 20:01:37 1997 IST):
Mr Singh, I believe your Politburo has been meeting
these last two days. Was the meeting convened to
discuss Mr Jyoti Basu's remarks? Tareek (Tue Jan 14 20:01:43 1997 IST):
Good evening, sir. How much longer do you think the 13-party coalition government will last? When will the next elections take place? HARKISHAN SINGH SURJEET (Tue Jan 14 20:03:12 1997 IST):
Hussain: Our party is the most democratic functioning party. The decisions are taken after
thorough discussions. Unanimously or by a majority or minority. And once the decision is taken it is
binding for all. Same applies for me and Mr Jyoti Basu. Ryan D'Mello (Tue Jan 14 20:04:03 1997 IST):
Mr Surjeet, I am a student of politics at the LSE.
I have read with great admiration about your efforts in keeping
the United Front together. Were there many
moments in these last six months when it seemed
that the Front was on the verge of
collapse? How have 13 parties been able to work together?
Prakash Joshi-TOI (Tue Jan 14 20:04:29 1997 IST):
Mr Singh: What is that CPM's response to te Congress overtures to seek an allaince for Punjab assembly elections to avoid division of secular votes ? HARKISHAN SINGH SURJEET (Tue Jan 14 20:05:57 1997 IST):
Tareek: It can last for 5 years. It can last for 2 years. Depending on the political situation as well
as performance of the government. The UF government was formed to ward off the danger of
the BJP coming in to the power. And it was supported by the Congress party. That danger still remains. And so
far as the Congress is concerned, its position remains the same. Therefore, there is no danger to this government
but if its performance doesn't fulfill the aspiration of the people, anything can happen. Ahmed Hussain (Tue Jan 14 20:06:11 1997 IST):
Thank you, Comrade. I don't know if I will agree with your claim that the CPI-M is a
democratic institution. However, I would like
to understand from you why your party--
especially the Young Turks -- were
unwilling to join the Front. After all, this
is perhaps the only chance your party will ever
get at being in power in Delhi. So why not make the
best use of it and make a difference to this country?
Swaminathan (Tue Jan 14 20:06:18 1997 IST):
1. Recently there was a news in the internet that you were upset over the
issue of CC rejecting the motion of joining the UF govt and allow
Com. Jyoti Basu to become the PM. The same report had also mentioned that
Mr.V.P. Singh had to pursue you to attend the next day CC meeting. Was it true ?
How can this happen in the history of CPI(M) ?
Swaminathan (Tue Jan 14 20:07:18 1997 IST):
2. From the reports on dailies, it is very clear that you are asking the UF
government to follow the CMP (Common Minimum Programme). Everyday the
prices of essential commodities are going up in India. There is no viable
solution for the common people's suffering. Do you thing the
CMP will do something to this ?
Sadasivam Balagopal (Tue Jan 14 20:07:55 1997 IST):
Mr Surjeet, do you believe the centrist parties
and Left parties need to widen their agenda?
I don't think an anti-BJP agenda will be
sufficient to defeat that party at the
hustings the next time. HARKISHAN SINGH SURJEET (Tue Jan 14 20:08:03 1997 IST):
Joshi-TOI: Do not go by statement alone.
The Congress party has not taken a decision to oppose the Budget. But they have the right to make
criticism. As the partners of the UF we have the right to criticise the
Budget on the points with which we don't agree. Tareek (Tue Jan 14 20:08:27 1997 IST):
Why is it so important to keep the BJP out of power? Is it important enough for you to compromise on
your principles and the support of the Congress - a party you have always fought against during the elections? Swaminathan (Tue Jan 14 20:08:45 1997 IST):
Your contribution to run this government is really admirable. Things will
reach the common people only if we put an end to corruption. Will you do
something to this ?
Prakash Joshi-TOI (Tue Jan 14 20:08:45 1997 IST):
Mr Singh: During the last one year economics reform
process has slowed down affecting the entire economy of the country , what is the policy of the CPM regarding liberalisation of the economy? What would commmon minimum program of the united front say on the issue? Ryan D'Mello (Tue Jan 14 20:09:03 1997 IST):
Why are you so allergic to the Congress? After
all that party too is fighting the BJP. Don't
you think such allergy has outlived its
utility?
Swaminathan (Tue Jan 14 20:10:44 1997 IST):
In the coming Punjab by-election, speculations are that CPI is going
for an alliance with Congress and not with the left parties. What makes
them to take such a decision ? Sadasivam Balagopal (Tue Jan 14 20:11:49 1997 IST):
There is a feeling that the support of the
Left parties to the UF has come at a price --
stalling the economic reforms. Would you agree
with this criticism? The reforms are in the natinal
interest. Why put the brakes on them? Jimmy Olsen (Tue Jan 14 20:12:15 1997 IST):
Mr Singh: REFFERING TO THE ANSWER YOU GAVE TO MR JOSHI HOW CAN YOU SAY THE CPM WHICH IS PARTICIPATING IN BUDGET MAKING PROCESS CRITICISE IT AFTERWARDS? Swaminathan (Tue Jan 14 20:15:53 1997 IST):
From the reports on dailies, it is very clear that you are asking the UF
government to follow the CMP (Common Minimum Programme). Everyday the
prices of essential commodities are going up in India. There is no viable
solution for the common people's suffering. Do you thing the
CMP will do something to this ?
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