Rashtra Manch is For People to Talk Freely, Says Dinesh Trivedi

Dinesh Trivedi talks to The Quint after announcement of the National Forum.

(Photo: ANI)

Senior BJP leader Yashwant Sinha, who has vociferously criticised the central government on several issues, launched National Forum or ‘Rashtra Manch’ on Tuesday. What makes this forum different is that it includes politicians from different parties.

Apart from the BJP's Yashwant Sinha and Shatrughan Sinha, Trinamool Congress leader Dinesh Trivedi is also included in this forum. In his interview to The Quint, the first since the formal announcement, Dinesh Trivedi said that the platform is for all politicians and everyone who are “worried” about the current situation in the country.

‘This Will be a Democratic Platform’

Trivedi said that the forum is neither for politics nor for politicians. He said the country needs a platform for democratic discussions without resorting to offensive remarks or hindrances. “There is no platform for farmers, villagers or even the youth to speak freely in the country. We want to provide a platform for constructive discussions and criticisms. Whenever the government or the Opposition falter, it is the right of the people to act as a check,” he said.

We do not want to compare ourselves with the freedom movement but that revolution too must have started from somewhere in the same way. I believe this platform will benefit this country and its people. There is just one motif – to gift the nation one platform. There is a lot of negativity in this country already but this stage will help to resolve issues in a positive and democratic way.

Dinesh Trivedi

‘CM Mamata Banerjee Urged Me to Join The Forum’

Trivedi said he joined on the request of his party leader and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. He said, “Yashwant Sinha was participating in the farmers’ movement in Akola when Mamata ji asked me to join him and stand by him. These issues are often neglected hence it is our responsibility to help them in times of distress.”

He said this platform will not just be for armchair criticisms but also for constructive action. He said it will be a peaceful and democratic forum and added that it is a “pure idea” which is beyond political parties.

The other leaders to join the forum are Ashutosh of the Aam Aadmi Party, Ghanshyam Tiwari of the Samajwadi Party, Pawan Verma of the Janata Dal United and Manish Tewari of the Congress.

Video Editor: Vivek Gupta