Panday says he can lead UNC back to government

Basdeo Panday said on radio Wednesday that he is convinced that he could lead the United National Congress (UNC) back to government. "If I didn't believe that, I would not be in the struggle," he said in an interview on 97.5 fm with Hansly Adjodha.

However he said he is not certain that he would lead the party. He said that depends on whether he is nominated to run as leader in the upcoming UNC internal election. He said he is willing to put himself "to the test".

Speaking about opposition unity, Panday said there is a false notion that unity is only possible through the agreement of political leaders. He said the reverse is true. The people, he said, "have the power to form a national front and command their leaders to follow."

Panday slammed Congress of the People (COP) leader Winston Dookeran for refusing to meet with him and other leaders to talk about unity, noting that Dookeran prefers to meet "at the breakfast shed", a reference to the COP leader's talks with Chaguanas West MP Jack Warner.

He said that is not the way to form an alliance of all the opposition groups.

Panday disagreed that a divided opposition would return the same result as 2007, saying that people are now more politically conscious. However, he said the current electoral system is defective and that is why he is advocating proportional representation.

Panday acknowledged that he willingly passed on the leadership of the UNC to Dookeran but it was Dookeran who created his own problems by refusing to work with the party.

Commenting on whether there could be reconciliation with those who now oppose him, Panday said he will work with everyone but only if they follow the rules. "I insist on one thing, discipline. I insist on discipline in my party," he said.

Panday suggested that those who are suggesting that the UNC election would be rigged are doing so because they are convinced that they would lose and are finding an excuse up front.

Adjodha tried to prod Panday into accepting calls from the public but he insisted that he would not agree to that because it would not be constructive. "You know there are people just waiting to detract from this intelligent discussion that we are having," he told Adjodha. Then host agreed.

Panday rejected the idea that he has no appeal to the youth vote. He said wherever he goes young people are the ones who are attracted to him. "I am saying that youths want their problems to be solved. They want a better life and they believe the UNC can give them that. I think this is their attracttion," he said.

He said his appeal to the people would continue "until I die", addding "I have no intention of dying in the near future."

Panday dismissed the idea that he should not lead the UNC because he is "a convicted felon". He insisted that he is not a convicted felon but a victim of PNM persecution. He said that logic would suggest that anyone who faces a charge would be disqualified from seeking political office.

"That would make Manning the most powerful man in the world," he said explaining that Manning could get rid of anyone from active politics by just laying charges against the person.

"I shall walk the streets till I fall," Panday said in response to a question on whether at 76 he has the health and strength to carry on another campaign.

"Shut up!" was his response to a question on what he would like to say to his detractors.

He never took any questions.