Madan Das Devi: Theoretically, yes.

•D K Singh: Every time you ask the BJP why they couldn’t implement your agenda on the Ram temple or uniform civil code, they say it was because of the compulsions of coalition politics. Is coalition politics a hindrance?

Madan Das Devi: They have to find a common minimum point for coalition politics. But issues like uniform civil code, aren’t party issues. They are national issues. However, when a party is in government, it can’t break the law or undermine the court. This is their limitation and they have to work within this limit. We understand this difficulty.

•D K Singh: Are you saying coalition politics is not an excuse for not being able to implement your agenda?

Madan Das Devi: It is an excuse. If you form a coalition, you must have a common minimum programme and act accordingly.

•Unni Rajen Shanker: On issues like economic policy or the nuclear deal, are you in agreement with the BJP?

Madan Das Devi: Yes, but we don’t always speak the same language. As for the nuclear deal, entering into any agreement with another country is a matter for the Government, but it shouldn’t create any hurdle in our freedom to conduct nuclear tests. That’s the only rider we have. On economic policy, we say that it’s a complicated issue. We shouldn’t bow down to WTO against our interests. There are other matters like import duty and opening our doors to insurance companies that need to be debated.

... contd.