0The Samajwadi Party (SP), struggling to strengthen its position in Uttarakhand, is delighted by its small success in the recent local body elections.
An SP-supported candidate won one of the six mayoral seats in the State. In Haldwani, the party’s candidate lost by a thin margin. Additionally, some candidates were elected councillors.
Though minor, the success comes as a panacea for the SP as it gears up for Mission 2014. The Pioneer tried to glean the Samajwadi strategy from Uttarakhand SP unit chief Dr Satyanarayan Sachan.
SP has done ‘slightly’ well in the local body polls. Do you take it as an auspicious sign for the party for Mission 2014IJ
I have objections to use of the term ‘slightly’ for SP’s performance in the local bodies’ polls. We have done fairly well. It shows that people’s trust has increased in the Samajwadi Party since they are fed up with successive reigns of the Congress and BJP in Uttarakhand since State formation.
The two have failed in delivering any development. Now, people want change in the State, and the SP is the best option available to them since it has repeatedly raised issues of local interest.
What are the major issues SP plans to take up during the lok Sabha pollsIJ
Disparity will be our major focus. There are thee types of disparities - social, economic and political - in the State. The SP is determined to eradicate disparities in society. Raking up the issue at the national level is out priority. SP will let the people know how the Congress and BJP cheated the people by not doing anything for them. The SP will launch a campaign against the two.
As the SP is extending support to the Congress at the Centre, will it be able to launch a fierce tirade against the partyIJ
The two are different matters. There will be no problem since the SP is supporting the UPA Government from outside and is not an ally of the UPA. It is apparent that the SP will contest general election on its agenda and issues. Undoubtedly, the party will hit hard at its rivals.
Do you feel that SP’s national leadership takes Uttarakhand seriously, insofar as lok Sabha polls are concernedIJ
The SP is very serious to come out with flying colours in the general elections. That is why the national leadership has announced candidates for two parliamentary constituencies, including Haridwar and Tehri. The party wants to repeat the performance of the 2004 general election in Haridwar, when SP’s Rajendra Kumar Badi emerged victorious. In Tehri parliamentary constituency, 60 per cent locals are angry with the BJP and the Congress, which is why only 40 per cent voted in the Tehri lok Sabha bypoll. This is good time for the SP to make some place in the hearts of the people by working for them.
How many active members are there in Uttarakhand SP unit at presentIJ
SP has a total of 1,000 members. Soon, we will launch a drive to add 2,500 more members. Simultaneously, a Kranti Rath will also be started in the State. The rath will pass through all parliamentary constituencies.