Author:
Publication: Tehelka
Date: August 30, 2008
URL: http://www.tehelka.com/story_main40.asp?filename=Ne300808incoldblood.asp
Introduction: 'Mulayam Singh now gives importance
to capitalists, sycophants and liars'
Samajwadi Party rebel Ateeq Ahmed, in jail
for the murder of BSP MLA Raju Pal, tells NEHA DIXIT through his lawyer why
he wants to join the BSP
Q.: You have said that you could not make
head or tail of the nuclear deal, so why did you crossvote?
A.: Till date, I haven't understood completely what the nuclear deal is all
about. I voted against it because through it, the US was influencing Indian
foreign policy. Moreover, the UPA Government wanted to pass the deal without
the country's consent.
Q.: What are your differences with Mulayam
Singh?
A.: In 1990, Mulayam Singh had the image of a farmers' leader and a socialist
thinker. His party also followed the same ideology. But now, it gives more
importance to capitalists, liars, sycophants and pimps, which I strongly oppose.
Q.: These differences arose after you refused
to boycott the Presidential election, as SP had demanded?
A.: Being an MP, I represent 15 lakh voters. I would have defied them if I
had boycotted the Presidential elections. In a democracy, the vote is the
highest right and in no way do I think that boycotting elections is right.
Q.: Did you crossvote so you could join the
BSP?
A.: I have said this before too, that I crossvoted because I am against the
US. It is true that talks were on with the BSP, and they were also against
the deal. So, both of us voted against the deal.
Q.: Why do you want to join the BSP?
A.: India is a dalit majority country. And though it's a democracy, people
from the marginalised sections are being exploited. The only way to alleviate
their suffering is to make their leader sit on the topmost chair so that they
get respect.
Q.: You have been trying to be friendly with
Mayawati ever since a change of guard took place in Uttar Pradesh.
A.: It's not a crime to be friendly with someone.
Q.: You claim that you are innocent of Raju
Pal's murder.
A.: Yes, I have nothing to do with the murder. I have been defamed because
I was a political person.
Q.: There are over 37 cases against you involving
kidnapping, getting property transferred in your name, dacoity, assault and
usurping government land.
A.: All these cases are false. I don't want to elaborate on them because they
are still under trial.
Q.: Criminals in politics is a big issue.
Are you one of them?
A.: If merely getting a case registered against you makes you a criminal,
then all politicians should be stopped from contesting polls. The court will
punish criminals, the Constitution will stop them from contesting, and the
public will vote them out.
Q.: Considering Mayawati has been very tough
with criminals , do you think she will allow her image to be sullied?
A.: Till the court does not give its verdict, no one, be it a politician or
a common man, can be called a criminal.
Q.: Will the BSP accept you because you can
influence the Muslim vote?
A.: I have been elected an MLA five times and now I am also an MP. I have
represented my people for the last 15 years and hence it's natural for the
Muslims to be influenced by me.
Q.: Once you join the BSP, will there still
be a free trial?
A.: By asking this you are questioning the fairness of the court and disrespecting
it. I have complete faith in the judiciary and believe that it cannot be influenced.
