Up-Style Coalition Possible In Other States: Malkani

The Bharatiya Janata Party yesterday said the BSP-BJP coalition in Uttar Pradesh could be extended to other states in future. Addressing a news conference here, party spokesman K R Malkani said he would not be surprised if the arrangement continued for a long time.

Some people do see this alliance as opportunistic. But the fact that our adversaries are unhappy about it makes us feel that we have done the right thing, he said.

We expect the experiment to succeed and spread to other states as well, the BJP MP said.

Asked whether the BJP had decided on having alliance with the BSP in other states, Malkani said the possibility would be explored while pointing out that the party had a very good arrangement with Bansi Lals party in Haryana.

The way BJP is growing in states like Karnataka, Bihar and Orissa, it will certainly become a credible alternative to other major political outfits within a few years, he said, adding that the percentage of BJP votes has been increasing with each election in recent times in Orissa.

Welcoming the central move to ease visa facilities for senior citizens and children visiting India from Pakistan, the BJP leader said they would not have to pay visa fees and report to the police daily as was required earlier.

But while it is most welcome, it could not be unilateral at the same time. The Pakistan government should also reciprocate the gesture and the Indian authorities should monitor the whole thing closely, Malkani said, adding the matter should be reviewed after a few months.

Replying to a question, he said that though the people of the two countries had great warmth towards each other, there were certain powers who are interested to see that Indo-Pak hostility should continue.

If countries like the USA, Canada, Germany and France could forget their animosity and become friends, I dont see any reason why it cant be possible here, he said.