The Rediff Interview/ N Chandrababu Naidu

'UF would have split into bits and pieces but for my intervention'

Had I not intervened and persuaded then prime minister H D Deve Gowda to step down, the scenario would have been totally different today. Elections would have thrust upon the nation and the United Front would have split into bits and pieces," claims Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and UF convener Nara Chandrababu Naidu who emerged as the king-maker, thanks to recent the recent political crisis.

Besides throwing him into the centre stage of national politics, the recent crisis has sucked him into the vortex of allegations levelled by the likes of Assam Chief Minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta and Tamil Maanila Congress leader G K Moopanar. If Mahanta held him responsible for dumping Deve Gowda, Moopanar blasted the Federal Front forged by Naidu with three regional parties -- AGP, DMK, TDP --soon after the 1996 Lok Sabha election.

Breaking his silence in an exclusive interview to M S Shanker, the wily politician clears several doubts kicked up by the media and politicians. He also talks about the issues confronting the country and Andhra Pradesh. Excerpts:

How come you backtracked on your promise of not changing H D Deve Gowda as the UF leader?

After Deve Gowda lost the confidence vote in the Lok Sabha, the only option before the UF was to replace Gowda as per the Congress demand.

Who took the decision? The Federal Front or the UF leadership?

It is true that the FF first discussed the prevailing political scenario. As major partners of the UF, we thought it was right on our part to take the initiative in defusing political uncertainty. None of us -- not even national political like the Congress and the BJP -- were keen on going back to the people. An expenditure of Rs 10 to Rs 15 billion would have been a colossal waste.

What about the AGP leader's allegation that you took the decision to dump Deve Gowda?

I would not like to join the issue with him now. I don't know what he exactly told the interviewer. Mahanta is my good friend. You must excuse me.

Why is Moopanar annoyed? Why does he say that FF doesn't existl?

You must ask Moopanar. What more can I say on this?

Whose names figured for the top post?

Several names. That's history now. Finally, Inder Kumar Gujral was chosen unanimously.

Reports suggest you declined to succeed Deve Gowda? Why did you turn down the once-in-a-life-time offer?

True, it's a once-in-a-life-time offer. But my priorities are different. I am more committed to my people. The overall development of the state is more important.

Was it because you were scared of facing the electorate? People say that your party will take a severe beating for reversing several of N T Rama Rao's decisions -- lifting prohibition, jacking up the price of subsidised rice, etc.

It's not true. People of my state know under what circumstances this was done. The price of rice and power tariff for the agriculture sector had to be increased as the government could no longer bear the financial burden. As for prohibition, my government tried to implement it sincerely but failed as no such law is prevailing in the neighbouring states. I'm not ashamed to admit that prohibition is "impractical". My party has realised it was a mistake and decided to correct it. What's wrong?

You claim your interests lie in the state. What are your priorities?

I have already spelt out my priorities. We would like to involve people in developmental activities. As the state finances will improve in the months to come, Rs 10 million has been allocated to each district for developmental work under the " successful janmabhoomi" programme.

My government would also give utmost importance to information technology. The thrust would be on creating basic infrastructure to attract entrepreneurs. However, my government would not like to neglect priority sectors like power, irrigation and agriculture.

Back to national politics. You were demanding better Centre-state relations and more powers to the state. Do you think that things will improve during the tenure of I K Gujral?

Of course, I sincerely feel that the Gujral government will be more receptive to the state's demands.

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