The times are frightening, says Opposition VP candidate Margaret Alva

New Delhi: The joint Opposition candidate for the vice presidential election Margaret Alva said the situation in India is "frightening" because people cannot eat or wear or say what they want. "You cannot even meet people you want."

The multi-term parliamentarian raised the question: "What is this time?"

She added that in the early years of India's independence, there was idealism. "There were problems, but also the spirit of a united nation without differences of community and religion." Speaking of caste politics, she said it wasn't like today because there was tolerance and acceptance.

She alleged that people in Parliament are now afraid to talk to those in a different party. "I had a couple of BJP friends with whom I had a cup of tea and I was told they were asked what they were talking about with me." Alva added that in the early days, people of different parties talked and dined together despite the differences in the Parliament.

After the presidential poll in which many non-BJP leaders voted for the NDA candidate Droupadi Murmu, there have been speculations that the vice presidential election will not work in the favour of the Opposition. Many think that Alva is fighting a losing battle and numbers are against her.

In an interview given to PTI, Alva said we cannot just sit back and say we don't have the numbers and we won't fight an election. She added that numbers can always swing. The former governor said you have to accept the challenge, whether you win or lose, in a democratic system.

The vice presidential election is on August 6 and the Opposition candidate is launching her campaign on Monday afternoon. She is set to meet MPs of various parties in the Central Hall of Parliament.

When asked about Trinamool Congress' decision to abstain from the vice presidential poll, Alva said she is aghast at the announcement because Mamata Banerjee has been leading the movement to unite the Opposition. "I believe there is enough time for her to change her mind."

She added that the disunity in the Opposition is like a family quarrel and there are some differences. Mamata Banerjee's basic ideology is that of Congress. "I believe we can sit and sort out differences. She has been fighting the BJP all along. There is no way she can help the BJP win."

Speaking about the cross-voting in the favour of Murmu, the Mangalore native said the idea of electing a tribal woman played an important part. "She deserves to become the President and I congratulate her."

"She was the first tribal woman candidate and I am the first woman vice presidential candidate from the South," said the VP candidate.

She further said that the allegations of money being used to swing the election might be true because, in various states, muscle power, threats, and money are used to change the composition of the election framework. "The tragedy is that in today's democratic system, it is not the mandate of the people that prevails."

She added that her opponent, former Governor of West Bengal Jagdeep Dhankhar, is being rewarded for his strong political positions. Alva, recalling her own governorships in Goa, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand, said a governor is supposed to be non-partisan.

"Once you are in the Raj Bhavan, you are supposed to help your government function. You can't sit there and function as the representative of your party." Alva added that she thinks Dhankhar's actions against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and ruling party TMC are "unethical and unconstitutional".

Alva also said that former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was her mentor and handpicked her for the Parliament. She added that "hard work, commitment, and honest politics" have been her watchwords.