What Modi govt has done to India's social, economic fabric is unforgivable: Jyotiraditya Scindia

On the first day of his election campaign rally, crisscrossing across Western Uttar Pradesh, Congress general secretary and Guna MP Jyotiraditya Scindia sits down to talk to DNA about the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Edited excerpts:  

It’s been a few days that you and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra took over as general secretaries in-charge of Uttar Pradesh. How are things shaping up? 

I think this is all a build up to where we want to take Uttar Pradesh, and not where we want to take the Congress party. The fact is that UP being disillusioned by leaders of all political parties, it’s time to craft a new vision for the state. And that can only be done when we, as a political party, can address the aspirations of the common people. That is what the Congress party is trying to do, whether it be to ensure that we have grassroot people and build leadership in all districts, or raising people’s pertinent issues, or choosing the right candidate for every parliamentary seat for now. So, that’s the direction in which we have been working in the last month and a half. Suffice to say that there’s a lot of work to be done, but we have made a start. I think the people of the state are looking an alternative, and the Congress party is that alternative. 

The Congress is not contesting with the SP and BSP. Are there chances of a post-poll alliance?

We made an effort and unfortunately we couldn’t reach a logical solution. The Congress party has decided to fight this elections on its own strength, and rejuvenate our cadre and ensure that we put up a robust performance. But the conversation can always be rekindled. But, for now, we have decided that we need to strengthen the party at the ground, on the basis of every district and take the party forward. 

If the Congress forms the government this term, then will the party send a PM candidate?

Generally, it is the largest party in the Parliament whose leader, chosen by that particular party, who is eventually the candidate for that post, provided all members of that coalition speak in one voice. The process and its conclusion will take place in a manner of dialogue and consultation along with our coalition partners. Post the election, we will cross that bridge when we come to it. But I’m very clear in my mind: That the most capable person who can don that mantle and lead India, a resurgent India, into the next five years, is Rahul Gandhi.  

How will the Congress fare in UP? 

I don’t think I’m a jyotish (astrologer) to answer that question, but I certainly do think that the Congress party will put up a very strong performance even in this Lok Sabha elections. We are making every effort and I’m sure you will see the effect of that, even though the time has been very short -- a month and a half. Nevertheless, it is what it is. The Congress president has very clearly spelt out our mandate, and along with the grassroots workers of our party in UP, we are trying to work towards that goal. 

Post-Balakot, do you think nationalism as a narrative will stick? 

At the end of the day, what the Modi government has done to the social and economic fabric of this country is unforgivable. This country is not about the thought process of a single individual, or about the decision-making capacity of a single institution. This country is the voice of the collective, and the Congress party has always believed in being that voice. Our manifesto process, the focus of our schemes resonates that thought. Whether it is NYAY or universal education or strengthening the representation of women through the Women’s Reservation Bill or free healthcare for all even in private hospitals through government funded schemes, we are trying to provide basic amenities to every single citizen of this country. Today the main concern is jobs, whether it is farmers, youth or women. It is about empowerment, not disenfranchisement which is the model of the BJP government. 

The Congress’s slogan was released earlier in today. Isn’t it late? 

The BJP focusses on an individual, the Congress focuses on the people of India. Our slogan is about making your life better, their slogan is about making their life better. 

Are you contesting this term? If yes, is it Indore or Guna?

I’m certainly contesting; there’s no doubt about it. My priority is electoral politics; I represent the people of my region. Nothing will stop me for doing that. If I have an additional responsibility, it doesn’t matter that I cannot shoulder both. As for the seat, the party will decide. 

You were chief whip of the party in the 16th Lok Sabha. How has your experience been. 

It’s been an amazing learning experience. I was in the Opposition for two years prior to being in the government between 2002 and 2004. And then, I was part of the government for 10 years. It’s very clear now: The Parliament is built for the Opposition to be able to be a check or a watchdog on the activities of the government. It’s the most robust institution in the democratic process. The fact that even the Parliament as an institution has been trampled upon just goes to show the lengths to which this current BJP government under the leadership of Mr Modi is turning our democracy into an autocracy and a dictatorship. So, whether it’s the RBI, Parliament, CBI, Niti Aayog, across the board, all these institutions are completely destroyed. 

The party has denied a ticket to the Speaker, Sumitra Mahajan. 

This shows what their view is towards the representation of women: The one person who has represented that seat eight times and is the senior-most member of the Parliament at this point of time has today been relegated to the backdoor of BJP. The guru-shishya parampara that the BJP keep on harping about on the Hindutva theme sounds hollow when the longest-tenured Parliament member is deprived of her seat. The guru of the BJP, Mr Advani, has not only being sent to the backbenches, but has been told to vacate the stage. Same with Mr Murli Manohar Joshi. This is completely antithetical to the idea of India.