23 May,2009 08:01 AM IST | | Subhash K Jha
Says irrepressible BJP MP from Patna Sahib Shatrughan Sinha in a no-holds-barredu00a0 conversation with Subhash K Jha Shotgun: Shatrugan Sinha
According to a report, the BJP has maximum number of elected MPs with criminal records this year.
Sometimes I feel we should re-make Hum Sab Chor Hain. But seriously, during the last elections, I did not campaign for candidates with a criminal record. It was my dignified way to protest. L K Advaniji and Rajnathji supported me. If the report is true, then it's a matter of concern.
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Aren't you embarrassed to be associated with a party that has so many criminals?
At times, yes. I'm known to beu00a0 the most secular face in the BJP. It's a contradiction, but if people like me don't join the BJP, then how would anyone be convinced about the party's pledge to propound communalism?
Have you ever heard Mr Advani or Mr Vajpayee say anything wrong? But suddenly we had these young hot-blooded, self-appointed spokespersons spewing venom.
Are you pointing at Varun Gandhi?
I don't want to name anyone. But some elements took BJP's entire effort to be a progressive party back by 20 steps. It was penny-wise-pound-foolish politics.
Before the elections, your opponent Shekhar Suman said you were desperately approaching several political parties.
That was really childish of him. I've heard from authentic sources that he was givenu00a0
Rs five crore to stand for the elections, even though he has no experience. Dhan-shakti barsa rahe the jan-shakti pe.
I never made any malicious comments about him. But Shekhar fought dirty, made personal comments about my family, put up banners against me and placed ads in an Urdu paper alleging I didn't attend my elder brother's daughter's wedding. He has fallen flat on his face and has got what he deserved.u00a0
Do you think stars can be good politicians?
You need to work with and for the people and win their trust. Otherwise, you can't win. Look at what happened to Chiranjeevi. You need the five Cs character, courage, class, consistency and
confidence.
Your take on Sanjay Dutt.
I'm very attached to his family. And I'm very happy for Priya Dutt. As for Sanjay, fighting elections was fine. But when he was not allowed to contest, he should have retreated into the background.
Sanjay should now concentrate on his films and be involved in social causes. He should take some tips from Shabana Azmi or me. Look at how much she has done without being a member of any political party. If Shabana, Shatrughan and Sanjay join hands we can become a formidable force.
And how about Amar Singh?
He is the modern Chanakya. My personal relationship with Amar Singh is fine. But that doesn't mean we're political allies. Amar Singh has been a big kawaj (shield) for Sanjay Dutt and I admire that.
Your comments on the increasing proximity between cinema and politics.
Glamour has limited power while power has unlimited glamour. People from the glamour world enter politics just to grab power. Most film artistes are used, abused and misused in politics. I'm no exception.
Have you ever thought about leaving the BJP?
It was love at first sight for the BJP and me. I joined the party for Advaniji and Atalji because I was confident they'd never compromise the integrity of the country.
