Next for Amar - a tech revolution

NEW DELHI, INDIA: What does a politician do after he is expelled from his party? Not join another party, replies Amar Singh, who is looking forward to writing a book as well as launching a technology and English language revolution in rural India.

"I am adopting remote villages in Uttar Pradesh where English and computer teachers will run tutorial centres on my expense," Amar Singh told IANS.

The foundation stone of the first such centre would be laid in his native Pakdi village in Azamgarh district.

"I have requested Amitabh Bachchan to inaugurate it Feb 26," said Amar Singh, who was expelled from the Samajwadi Party (SP) Tuesday along with actor-MP Jaya Prada.

"I will be doing it from Nishta Foundation front," he said. The foundation is headed by Jaya Prada.

He said he even has a "very short and sweet slogan - Padho likho aur badhe bano".

The high profile politician said up next was also a book either in English or Hindi.

"I should have resigned earlier. I am not a person without alternatives to do in life. If I can blog, I can also write a book. I can write in Hindi and English as well. I also have my business and family to look after."

The expulsion of the former national general secretary and Rajya Sabha MP on grounds of anti-party activities came weeks after he resigned from all party posts citing poor health.

The industrialist-politician is unsure of his future political affiliations and seems to be trying create a mass base amongst the youth in Uttar Pradesh for a possible new party.

Amar Singh doesn't rule out the speculation.

"I will promote positive politics and help empower rural youth in India. It is my mission now."

Hitting out at the SP for what he said was its regressive attitude, Amar Singh said: "They (Samajwadi Party) say urban youth get more advantage with computers... They don't understand rural youth need to be empowered with the technology.

"There is a lack of knowledge about computers. They don't know about it. Our party is primitive that way," said the influential leader who is known to have introduced film stars and industrialists to the SP.

Amar Singh said the "tech phobia" in the SP was so grave that "they even opposed my blogging and writing in English".

"They said blogging is not our culture. They said our rallies don't become headlines but your blog becomes news.. This Talibanisation of the entire thing was very suffocating.

"I will be doing this productive work keep myself busy and occupied. I will work for a separate state of Purvanchal and Haritpradesh," he said in another indication that he might float a new political outfit.

©IANS