IFP INFORMATION CENTRE : AUGUST 19, 1998 

 The IFP is led to believe that Mr Amichand Rajbansi, the leader of the Minority Front, has been contacting the media with absurd claims in respect of his matrimonial difficulties and the IFP’s alleged involvement therein. The IFP would like to state emphatically that these allegations are false and have no inkling of truth.

The IFP has always upheld the importance of family values. As an organisation that is proud of its commitment to the union and sanctity of marriage, the IFP cannot accept Mr Rajbansi’s claim that it is responsible for his marital difficulties. Whilst the IFP is sympathetic of Mr Rajbansi’s sadness at this time, it is a simple fact that there can only be two people responsible for the success or failure of a relationship, namely the spouses themselves.

In light of the circumstances, Mr Rajbansi’s apportioning blame is without foundation. The IFP was not present when the initial crack appeared. Nor was the IFP there when the unhappiness could no longer be contained behind closed doors. Even at this stage, the IFP can do nothing to mend the sad situation.

In many cases, husband and wife do not support the same political organisation. Political agreement is not a requirement vowed to during the ceremony and this difference of opinion is seldom conducive to divorce.

The IFP believes that democracy means freedom to choose. When Mrs Rajbansi, together with a group of other key individuals, indicated that she wished to support the IFP, the IFP was naturally pleased. The pleasure did not emanate from the fact that the IFP deliberately wanted to embarrass and hurt Mr Rajbansi publicly. Instead the IFP welcomed another member, who is a pivotal and active component in her community.

Because the IFP wanted to announce the defections in the easiest, most convenient way possible, a Press Conference was arranged. This was not the first time a Press Conference had been called for such an occasion. The IFP had a Press Conference when a group of people from the Wentworth constituency defected to the IFP a few months ago. This has happened in other provinces as well. Had Mr Rajbansi been in a similar position in respect of his Minority Front, he too would have been glad of gaining a member and would have opted for a Press Conference to publicise the defection.

As regards the so-called "promised" parliamentary seat for Mrs Rajbansi, the IFP wishes to stress that it has not as yet drawn a list of possible parliamentary representatives. The IFP is a democratic institution and all decisions of magnitude require the approval of the National Council. Nothing can be assumed because, in politics, nothing is carved in stone!