•During the no-confidence motion on December 17, 1992, against the Narasimha Rao Government after the Babri Masjid demolition

“My mind goes back to 7th November, 1990 when another no-confidence motion was being discussed in this House brought by the BJP, which was till then supporting the National Front Government along with us. That day we had seen who had supported the BJP’s no-confidence motion. The Congress Party did it for narrow political advantage. You have supported each other. On that day, the motion of confidence brought forward by Shri V P Singh was supported by us. Both of you had opposed it. On that day, we had also opposed the attempt to destablise the Government and we had supported the confidence motion of Shri V P Singh because of his principled fight against communalism. On that day, they had sacrificed the Government for the sake of upholding the principles of secularism in this country. Our decision today of not to support but to oppose this motion of no-confidence is guided by the same principle of our attachment and commitment to the principles of secularism and to the unity and integrity of this country.”

•When Deve Gowda sought a vote of confidence on June 1, 1996 after the United Front Govt took office

“..We cannot expect to go to the 21st century with Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad, or for that matter, the RSS. They cannot provide the leadership to this country. Sir, obscurantism cannot replace a sensible, pro-people, humane Government in this country. I am very happy that the machinations of a very minuscule minority in this country have not succeeded. The BJP and the fractured Samata Party could not provide even the minimal support base in this House. I am happy that the secular and progressive forces in this country have come together to form the United Front.”

... contd.