Chandrashekhar Azad, leader of the Azad Samaj Party (Kanshiram) (ASP(KR)), expressed his thoughts on the refusal of the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Congress to align with his party. Azad emphasized his commitment to fighting for his people independently and criticized the mainstream parties for merely seeking votes without addressing crucial issues faced by Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).
Azad said to Indian Express, “I do not want to tell them anything. I am neither friends with anyone, nor anyone’s enemy. I know that I have to fight the battle of my people on my own.” He highlighted the lack of political space given to his party by SP and Congress and questioned their commitment to raising issues important to SCs and STs in the Lok Sabha.
Recalling a tragic incident from April 2, 2018, when 17 people died during protests against the alleged dilution of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, Azad pointed out the silence of these parties. “Did they utter even one word? They just want our votes. They don’t want to give us political space,” he remarked.
Azad declared his determination to strengthen the ASP(KR) to the point where it no longer needs support from other parties. “We have to strengthen ASP(KR) so much that we do not require anyone’s help. Now we will contest all bypolls and all the upcoming Assembly polls in the country in the next six months,” he asserted.