Will turn deaf if invited to rejoin Samajwadi Party: Amar Singh

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - Former Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh has said he would behave like a “deaf and dumb person” if invited to rejoin the party.

Singh, who is in the state capital for the premiere of Malayalam film “Bombay Mittai” in which he plays a small role alongside Dimple Kapadia, was at his witty best with the media.

Asked what he would do if he gets a call like his former party colleague Azam Khan to return to the party, Singh shot back saying that he is “not expecting any call from anyone”.

“Even if I get one, I would behave like a deaf and dumb person,” said Singh.

Amar Singh resigned in January as Samajwadi Party general secretary and from other party posts following deepening differences with party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav.

To a query on his political fortunes, he said that “politics is not a test tube”.

“In politics, things just happen and nothing is impossible in politics.”

On his acting debut in a Malayalam film, Singh said he is emotionally attached to Kerala.

“When both my kidneys stopped functioning, it was a Christian from Kerala (his driver) who came forward to donate a kidney for me,” said Singh.

“I am not a professional actor and since I felt every Indian should play his role because of the unity in diversity that our country offers, I being a north Indian took up the role when I was offered one,” said Singh.

Quizzed about his future political plans, Singh said he was focusing on his proposed 450 km padayatra - from Allahabad to Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh - to drum up support for the division of Uttar Pradesh.

“Even UP Chief Minister Mayawati has written to the centre seeking division of the state. It is practically impossible for smooth governance to take place from one place because of the size of the state. Also the success of new and smaller states like Chhattisgarh and Uttarakand is there for all to see, and there is no reason why UP should not be divided,” said Singh.

On his relationship with megastar Amitabh Bachchan, Singh said their relationship is time tested.

“You media always want spice. Our relationship remains the same and there is no difference of opinion between us,” said Singh.

To a question as to why despite bailing out the first United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government in their time of crisis, he is yet to be compensated, Singh said: “I did it taking into consideration national interest only.

“I had a detailed talk with former president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam on the nuclear issue and I was convinced of what he said and hence decided to act. I have not asked anything of them because this is not a give-and-take issue,” said Singh.