After Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emotional farewell to Ghulam Nabi Azad, the Congress veteran and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha spoke to The Daily Guardian, saying that working with the BJP is not a likelihood for him, because while personal relations across party lines might exist, they cannot translate into crossing the ‘Lakshman Rekha’. Excerpts:
Q: What happened in the Rajya Sabha when the Prime Minister turned emotional during a speech for your farewell speech?
A: Yes, I was too. PM Modi mentioned a sentimental moment which had taken place when I had been Chief Minister (of Jammu and Kashmir) and a terrorist attack had taken place and I had to deal with it. He mentioned that I had also broken down at that time while speaking to him, then the Chief Minister of Gujarat.
Q: Modi spoke of good chemistry between the ruling party and the Opposition. What will you suggest for the future?
A: I am grateful to leaders like Modi, Satish Mishra and Sharad Pawar who really spoke well for me. There should be cordial relations between the Opposition and the ruling side. But this always happened in the past, not in the current scenario. But I wish them all the best.
Q: The PM said during his speech that a man like you cannot sit at home and there are future prospects for you. Will you join the BJP or the government?
A: There is no question of me joining the BJP. I have many friends in many parties and we may have relations across party lines, but that doesn’t mean I will cross my limits.
Q: What about your grievances with the Congress and all that happened with the CWC and G23 leaders?
A: I have put forward my point for strengthening the party for the future. But there is no question of opposing Rahul Gandhi.
