I know India's political reality: Jaswant Singh

The Opposition NDA's candidate for the Vice Presidential election, Jaswant Singh, has hinted that the ruling UPA government may misuse its position to get votes for its nominee, incumbent Hamid Ansari.

While speaking to Karan Thapar on Devil's Advocate, the veteran BJP leader said that he was "adult enough to know the reality of India's political life".

Below is an edited transcript of the excerpt from the interview:

Karan Thapar: Purno Sangma, who was the BJP's and the NDA's candidate for President, has publicly said that the UPA tried to buy votes by offering financial packages, that they attempted to threaten leaders like Mayawati and Mulayam Singh if they didn't vote for Pranab Mukherjee. Are you apprehensive that something similar could happen in the Vice Presidential elections?

Jaswant Singh: No, I don't lend myself to such apprehensions. I am adult enough to know the reality of India's political life. But it is much better for me really not to clutter my thinking with that kind of details.

Karan Thapar: There is a hint in what you are saying when you say 'I am adult enough to know the reality of India's political life' that you expect that there will be underhand practices but you are not going to be apprehensive about them. Have I interpreted you correctly?

Jaswant Singh: You want me to detail adult details in public?