Why Anendra Prasad Left FLP To Join NFP
Long-time Fiji Labour Party supporter, Anendra Prasad, has revealed that he joined the National Federation Party because the two parties were going to form a coalition.
The NFP provisional candidate yesterday claimed that the two party leaders, FLP’s Mahendra Chaudhry and NFP’s Biman Prasad were in talks about forming a coalition.
Anendra claimed that about two months ago, he was given the green light by Mr Chaudhry to join and work with NFP on the understanding that the coalition would eventuate.
But it never did, because as Anendra claimed, the NFP management was going to give only four seats in a coalition government.
“I started campaigning two months back knowing that Labour Party will join NFP,” he said.
Anendra said he assumed things needed to change in this year’s election.
“I had no option but to leave the party (FLP),” he said.
“I have been with Fiji Labour Party for the past 24 years and Mr Chaudhry is my personal friend as well.
“I left the party in good faith, there were no hard terms.
“Actually, on the day I was nominated by NFP before I went for the nomination, I spoke to Mr Chaudhry and he told me: ‘Son, whatever you think is right go ahead, do it.’
“He’s always like my almighty. I have so much respect for him. He is the only leader who can take the nation forward, but it’s time for a change and there’s a need for change.”
Anendra added that he had Mr Chaudhry’s photos in his residence and he had so much respect for him.
“I cannot take those photos out from there. Never! Till my last breath,” Anendra said.
“Whatever I had till today was because of him. Moving was a very difficult decision but I had no option, I have no hard feelings with anyone at the Labour Party. Leaving one party and joining the other is always a challenge.”
Calls were made to the NFP leader to confirm the claims by Anendra but remained unanswered when this edition went to press.
Meanwhile, FLP president Lavinia Padarath in an earlier interview sent her well wishes to Anendra and Pasepa Rosarine who had also moved from FLP to NFP.
Mrs Padarath said former members were free to join any party.
Edited by Ranoba Baoa
Feedback: selita.bolanavanua@fijisun.com.fj
