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.

• 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.

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