He has told BBC Sandeshaya that only the people can remove the Rajapaksas from politics.

Mahinda Rajapaksa is a leader who fought his way into the helm, not one who had conspired to become so, he said.

One year after the end of the Rajapaksa administration, the country was in a sorry state, with all the development work coming to a standstill, said Basil Rajapaksa.

People will think whether it was a correct decision to elect Maithripala Sirisena, he said.

The ex-minister refuted allegations that he was responsible for Mahinda Rajapaksa’s defeat.

Forces behind defeat

Certain shortcomings and animosity by powerful countries such as India, US, EU for the correct or incorrect reasons led to the rout, he said.

India and the US are behind the collapse of the Rajapaksa regime, he said, adding that even an annual report by the US admitted they had influenced the vote, and that it was a victory for them, according to him.

Basil Rajapaksa went onto say that groups in the UNP, SLFP and the JVP were disillusioned with present politics, adding that a new political stream has become the need of the hour.

He said he had no expectation of being a party to bring about such a change, but that he would contribute once such a force comes into existence.

He added the people would decide if the Rajapaksas would once again come to power.