Growth is necessary and Left also knows it, see what Jyoti Basu said: Chandrababu

TDP leader N Chandrababu Naidu is in the forefront of the attempts to keep the United National Progressive Alliance as a political force to reckon with.

TDP leader N Chandrababu Naidu is in the forefront of the attempts to keep the United National Progressive Alliance (UNPA) as a political force to reckon with. In the Capital to attend a meeting of the alliance, Naidu also met senior Left leaders. The erstwhile poster-boy of reforms talked to Varghese K George on his views on reforms, Third Front and the emerging political scenario of the country. Excerpts.

• What makes you optimistic about the UNPA even after Jayalalithaa has left and some others are reportedly in touch with the BJP?

It is unfortunate that Jaya left, but that is not the end of road for us. One aspect that holds us together is ideology and the second is political advantage. The combined strength of these parties makes UNPA a formidable force and individual parties are aware of that. I introduced second generation reforms and the results are showing in the 9-10 per cent growth. Now, we as a group are saying that benefits of reforms should go to the poor also.

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• So you are not against reforms? You are not apologetic about the reformist image that you acquired as chief minister?

Reforms mean increasing efficiency. I took many MLAs to different parts of the world so that could see the benefits of reforms themselves. Wealth creation is inevitable and growth is necessary. We are saying that we cannot wait for 40 or 50 years before the poor of the country are benefited from the increase in efficiency. Indira Gandhi talked about removing poverty but then the growth was two per cent. One could not have removed poverty at two per cent growth. But we can do that when we are growing at 9-10 per cent. The Government should take measures to help farmers, artisans, labourers and poor across the country.

• The Left has asked you to change your economic policy approach.

I have made it clear to the Left also that wealth creation is necessary. Reforms are necessary to increase efficiency. In fact, they also know that. Look what Jyoti Basu said about capitalism. They are also for wealth creation. On the question of growth benefiting the poor, I am completely with the Left.

• You support SEZ?

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It should be private enterprise. Promoters should buy land at market prices.

• So you would still like to be called a reformer?

Categories such as socialist or capitalist or reformer are irrelevant in today’s politics. But yes, I am for reforms with a human face.

• What do you make of the BJP victories in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh?

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Congress is getting weaker. When people have an alternative, as was the case in UP, people vote out both BJP and Congress.

• You have done business with both BJP and Congress in the past. Are you open to arrangements with both in the future also?

I cannot chose between communal BJP and corrupt Congress. Why do you assume that we will require anyone? There could be government without BJP and Congress.

• How important is the emergence of Mayawati as a factor, particularly in Andhra Pradesh? Can she be part of UNPA?

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SP is already with the UNPA and therefore, the question does not arise. So many new factors are emerging in Indian politics. When somebody wins, she is rated high. But the conditions in UP do not exist in any other part of the country.

• But could she threaten you in Andhra, offering a Dalit platform?

Caste is a diminishing factor in politics. Social justice is an issue but people do not follow blind caste politics. They vote on development, good governance, transparency.