Click to play videoIt's a political slugfest over Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee Chief Rita Bahuguna Joshi's inflammatory remarks. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati has now accused Congress Chairperson Sonia Gandhi of directing the hate speech. Meanwhile, Congress wants action against those who burnt Rita Bahuguna Joshi's house. The question that is now being asked is whether Uttar Pradesh is heading for a violent confrontation? Congress MP, Mohammad Azharuddin joined CNN-IBN to debate the question.
CNN-IBN: Some in the Congress are saying that the arrest of Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee Chief Rita Bahuguna Joshi will only provide the catalyst effect and that the workers are charged up. Is that the mood in Moradabad?
Mohammad Azharuddin: It's been very disappointing what has happened. Congress workers are really charged up. They feel what has happened isn't right and they want a fair trial.
CNN-IBN: The Congress and the BSP may be past masters at the kind of politics we are seeing play out, but as someone who just entered politics, how do you view the way this entire drama has played out?
Mohammad Azharuddin: Once you are in power you expect this type of a reaction. When I spoke to Rita ji in the morning, she said that she had apologised last night. When you apologise it means that you regret your action. The reaction that happened afterwards wasn't very good especially what happened in Lucknow. It was appalling. The place where she lives is only two or three minutes distance from the Secretariat.
CNN-IBN: But really, even if Mayawati's actions were to be viewed as vendetta politics, it doesn't put Rita Bahuguna Joshi in the right.
Mohammad Azharuddin: Once you apologise, what does that mean? Actually it was an unscheduled meeting. It wasn't done with any intention and it was something she said at the spur of the moment. Once she realised what she had said, it was too late and everything was flashed in the news. Once you tender an apology, if you have a very big heart, you must accept an apology.
CNN-IBN: The final word from you - the culture of personal attacks in Uttar Pradesh politics is a known thing. Does Uttar Pradesh politics need an overhaul?
Mohammad Azharuddin: I know very little about the politics in Uttar Pradesh for I am very new. I am coming to know a lot though. It's unfortunate that this happened in my constituency. It shouldn't happen in any constituency. It's not a very good thing to happen. I hope that such things don't happen in the future.
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