OPPOSITION HAS AN INCENTIVE TO MAINTAIN UNITY

SENIOR SAMAJWADI PARTY leader Javed Ali Khan, who was a member of the INDIA bloc's 13-member coordination committee, says the results of the Lok Sabha elections represent a powerful message that the people of the country have given to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP. Excerpts from an interview:

- SONI MISHRA

Q/ The INDIA bloc is jubilant. But the fact remains that the BJP has formed the government.

A/ Yes, the BJP has formed government. But it is also true that the opposition has many reasons to celebrate. The opposition has posted these numbers fighting against all odds, against the entire might of the Modi government which tried all the tricks in the book to make sure that we were at a disadvantage in the poll arena. Investigating agencies were misused, leaders were targeted, two chief ministers were arrested, there was a resource crunch, and yet the people ensured a powerful message was sent to Modi and the BJP.

Q/ Some opposition leaders have raised questions about the stability of the Modi government.