Best of the Bengal Tiger

INLSA

MF party leader Amichand Rajbansi

Minority Front leader Amichand Rajbansi has left a memorable mark on South African politics. Here are some of his most memorable quotes.

* Rajbansi’s most memorable quote must be when he was asked about his future after the James Commission found him unfit to hold office:

“Well, I will double-cross that bridge when I get there.”

*l Before the May 18 elections this year:

“There might be a day when I have to make way to let youngsters lead the MF. This might be my last election campaign as the leader of the MF.

“When the next election comes around I will be 75.

“Your only trump card is the MF. I am advancing my 70th birthday to May 18 and (ask voters to) give me my greatest birthday present.”

* On Schabir Shaik’s health problems:

“May I suggest that he try pomegranate, which is available in a whole fruit form, as a juice or in a capsule form.”

* Of his ex-wife Asha Devi’s move to the IFP following the MF’s coalition with the ANC:

“Now the IFP and the ANC each have a Rajbansi and they don’t need to fight.”

* On election campaigning:

“Every day I met my fieldworkers I gave them bunny chows and I briefed them. I said we win the poster battle and we win the election war.”

* On local government politics:

“The mother of all battles will be the battle for the Indian mind.”

* A radio ditty Rajbansi composed:

Don’t cry for our beloved country, South Africa because the Bengal Tiger is here; The Minority Front is the eye of the Tiger; With blood sweat and tears, we shall overcome; Because the Tiger is here, Do not fear.

* Rajbansi on himself:

“I can walk the streets tall as I went back to Parliament on my own steam, (and) not by riding piggy-back on another party like others have done. I did it twice.

“A tiger never changes its spots.” - Pretoria News