New Delhi: CPI(M) general secretary Prakash Karat today accused SP supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav of "betraying" their common causes and described him as a person who is "very difficult" to remain committed to his stand.
The CPI(M) leader blamed Yadav for the collapse of the People's Front and said that his association with him was that of a "love-hate" relationship.
"The closest relationship we have had with other leaders is Mulayalam Singh. It's a love-hate relationship. We have been with him, we have been fighting, he has been betraying. He has been going back on things," Karat said in an interview to daily Malayala Manorama.
Observing that the SP supremo has been doing this "many times" since the days of Harkishan Singh Surjeet, Karat also referred to his "backing out" during one of the presidential elections decision.
"On the question of presidential elections, it was decided that we all will back K R Narayanan. At the last minute, he (Mulayam) backed out. The People's Front we formed collapsed because of that.
"He is a person who is very difficult to remain committed to what he says. That's our general experience. Everytime he will say yes, within a few days it will become a no or something else will be done," the outgoing CPI(M) general secretary said.
Karat also termed BSP chief Mayawati as "different" who was not a "typical bourgeoisie politician" and is clear in what she wants for which she would not "compromise" or change her mind.
"You can't talk to her and get her to change her mind. I have not found this in anyone else. She is very clear in what she wants and she will stick to it. That's in a sense a difficulty. Others always will look for some common ground or some compromise," he said.
On a question comparing Mayawati with AIADMK general secretary J Jayalalithaa, Karat said the latter is different and can change her opinion or stand if it is necessary.
"If she has an opinion she may modify it or change it. You can convince her...If she thinks that it is something worthwhile. Mayawati was never open to that sort of a thing. Once she has taken a stand, she will stick to that and go ahead," Karat said.
"If she has an opinion she may modify it or change it. You can convince her...If she thinks that it is something worthwhile. Mayawati was never open to that sort of a thing. Once she has taken a stand, she will stick to that and go ahead," Karat said.