BSP's decline has increased ASP's responsibility, says Chandra Shekhar Azad

Chandra Shekhar Azad, seen as an emerging competitor to Mayawati-led BSP for the mantle of Dalit politics in UP and elsewhere, speaks to CL Manoj on the electoral meltdown of the BSP, discord in Mayawati's family, what it means for ASP, the fight against the Modi government's policies, and on Rahul Gandhi's pitch for caste census. Edited Excerpts:

ON experience as a first-time MP

Babasaheb Ambedkar said political power is the master key to solving problems, implementing the agenda for social and economic changes and for changing society. Parliament, which makes laws and decides on the distribution of resources, is the master key of political power. I am using it for the cause of my people, the Dalits and other backward sections. ASP's task is to get more of our people elected next time.

ON BSP's electoral & political crisis

Manyawar Kanshi Ramji has made BSP into a towering tree. BSP and Behenji got the master key of power by forming the government in UP four times, thrice in coalition and once on its own. But the mission for which Manyawar Kanshi Ramji formed BSP has not been achieved. Dalits are facing social and economic atrocities. Manyawar Kanshi Ramji had said for bringing social and economic changes, the movement must be run till power and mission are achieved. The current situation warrants a strong movement and fight because the Modi government is trying to weaken our cause, not generating government jobs and jeopardising reservation. BSP has stopped fighting to take the movement forward. The BSP