Happy that Rahul started debate on RSS role in Mahatma murder: Digvijay Singh

Former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Digvijay Singh has been keeping a low profile about the ensuing election in Madhya Pradesh. In an interview, he spoke on a number of issues ranging from state elections to Rahul Gandhi. Excerpts:

What are the issues the Congress is focusing on in MP?

Large scale corruption, Vyapam, illegal mining and farmers distress are the prominent issues. There is an unrest in rural areas which is a result of the faulty procurement policy of the state government. MNREGA fund are not being properly utilised. Even farmers are not getting minimum support price for their produce which led to an increase of farmer suicides.

Is the Congress going to get into an alliance with smaller parties?

We are looking for an alliance with the BSP and GGP, but leadership in Delhi will take the final call.

How do you plan to bridge the gap in vote percentage with the BJP?

The state elections are different from parliamentary elections and cannot be compared. The margin of victory in few of the seats was huge for BJP, but the overall difference was not much.

What are your views on a Grand Alliance?

In 2014, the BJP secured 280+ seats with 31 per cent vote. But the last three bypolls showed that if all political parties come together, BJP can be defeated. So an alliance is required.

So, you feel it is not going to be Modi vs Rahul?

The fight will be between the ideology of Mahatma Gandhi and Golwarkar.

What do you think about Rahul's comment on RSS?

I'm extremely happy that Rahul Gandhi has taken a stand on this issue and has refused to withdraw his comments. What he said on Gandhi's assassination and RSS is based on historical facts. He has started a new debate on RSS's hand in the murder of Mahatma Gandhi, the relationship between Savarkar and Golwarkar, or the relationship of Nathuram Godse with the RSS and Hindu Mahasabha. The basic ideology is the same and it is the right wing religious fanaticism that led to Mahatma's murder.

Doesn't this campaign run the risk of hurting Hindu sentiments?

RSS does not represent Hindu sentiments. They are using religion to create hatred amongst fellow Indians and dividing the society. The religious fanaticism today is hitting at the idea of India. Anyone who opposes this ideology is being eliminated. The RSS does not stand for democracy, therefore we are fighting an ideological battle.