The expelled Samajwadi Party leader, Amar Singh, on Wednesday parried a question on the possibility of his launching a political outfit.
Asked whether he was planning to launch a party during a Kshatriya Mahakumbh scheduled for later this week in Uttar Pradesh, he said: “I am trying to unite the Kshatriya community, which has always been a divided house. I am trying to tell them ‘don't get carried away by those who are exploiting the name of Lord Rama for political gains'.”
Despite repeated queries on his political plans, Mr. Singh avoided a direct reply. “Mulayam Singh [Samajwadi Party chief] says I am indulging in casteist politics. I attend functions of various communities, but within the SP, only Yadavs are holding key posts. Myself and the late Janeshwar Mishra were the only two symbolic [non-Yadav] party office-bearers.”
“I will let everybody know about my future intentions at an appropriate time, I cannot reveal anything now,” he added. Ever since he was expelled from the SP in January, Mr. Singh has been criss-crossing U.P., attending several Kshatriya meetings and backward community functions.
“When Ajit Singh is there for Jats and Kalyan Singh for Lodhs, then why I cannot try and unite the Kshatriyas?Asked whether he would remain with Mr. Singh if and when he decided to form his own party, actor Sanjay Dutt, who quit the SP soon after the leader was expelled, said “I have always been with Amar Singh. I will be with him in all his struggles.”
