My second innings will be with SP, declares Natwar

Marginalised on the political map after his suspension from the Congress Party in the oil-for-food scam...

Marginalised on the political map after his suspension from the Congress Party in the oil-for-food scam, Natwar Singh today made it clear that his next political destination was the Samajwadi Party (SP). The former Union foreign minister said he intended to begin his second innings under the guidance of SP chief and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav.

Though no papers were signed, the message from the dais—which Natwar shared with Mulayam and Amar Singh—was loud and clear. Natwar, who termed himself a “half member” of the Congress and “hoped to be expelled from the party today itself” for participating in a seminar hosted by the SP under the banner of the Ram Manohar Lohia Trust. Mulayam chipped in by assuring to “protect his political honour”.

“My term in the Rajya Sabha will be over on April 10, 2008, I will lose my seat to them (Congress) if I resign,” Natwar reasoned. On this, some SP workers in the audience shouted that there was a seat vacant in the state too, as Mulayam nodded in agreement.

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During his speech on the “Foreign Policy of Government of India and Iraq”, Natwar narrated in detail his close relations with the Nehru family and clarified on his role in the oil-for-food deal. Natwar said his or his son’s name did not appear anywhere in the scam, while the Congress party’s name has been there since 1996. Criticising the UPA government, Natwar said: “The foreign policy of India is crumbling today.” He lambasted PM Manmohan Singh and UPA president Sonia Gandhi for keeping mum when Saddam Hussein was hanged. “It hurt the sentiments of 12 crore Muslims. But who reacted? Only Mulayam and Natwar!”

Supporting Natwar, Mulayam claimed that Congress leaders from Nehru to Sonia had made those loyal to them scapegoats in order to save their own faces. The CM lauded Natwar for showing the courage to come out of Congress fold. “Irrespective of whether they throw you out of the party or not, you have clarified in your speech that you are no more at their mercy.”