Inan interview to a Hindi fortnightly magazine in August 1986 copy ofwhich is in possession of this citizen journalist , PresidentMukherjee has dwelt on issues of formation of new party and economicpolicies of the government.
Mukherjee has claimed in the interviewthat economic and political policies of Rajiv Gandhi are dangerousfor the country, adding that the economic management of the countryis not good.
Respondingto a question about apprehensions of persecution by Rajiv Gandhi,Mukherjee while admitting such apprehensions, pointed towardssinister campaign against him in the media at the instance of RajivGandhi.
When asked that you had no base and you got elected fromRajyasabha, Mukherjee said that he was not alone as several leaderscome via Rajyasabha route.
Respondingto another sensitive question whether Rajiv Gandhi was soft towardsUSA or Russia, Mukherjee had told that it was very difficult toanswer the question but one thing is certain that his economic andpolitical policies are different from the policies of the Party.
While answering to a sensitive question about difference between the style offunctioning of Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, Mukherjee had statedthat you can not be copy of other adding that had he been the PrimeMinister, his style of functioning would be totally different.
Mukherjeewhile further elaborating his point had said that the important thingis whether his style of functioning was in national interest or not?Mukherje had declined to answer the question whether Congressmenaccepts every decision of Rajiv Gandhi under fear.
Mukherjeepredicted a hung Parliament
Elaboratinghis point he had told that in December 1984 Lok Sabha polls Congresshad got eighty percent seats but within a year party was defeated inPunjab and Assam assembly polls and in by-elections to Lok Sabhaseats adding that if same trend remain continued then definitelythere will be a coalition Govt. in the Centre.