Yashwant Sinha unleashes his angst against Modi government.
In an exclusive interview with Zee Media's Piyush Babele, former Finance Minister Yashwant Sinha who recently left BJP spoke about various issues regarding economy, foreign policy and Opposition unity ahead of 2019 elections and his possible role in the next elections.
Speaking about his initiation into politics, former Finance Minister said that he joined public life after being influenced by JP Narayan. However, it was Chandra Sekhar who inspired him to join politics, said Sinha. he revealed in the interview he never thought of spending his life in politics.
Now that he is out of BJP, he said is looking to raise issues which are relevant to people.
Regarding the polity of India after Modi government came to power, Yashwant Sinha said he is not happy with the entire system in place after 2014. According to him, the country is going in the wrong direction, and it is important to raise these issues.
Contrary to many other Opposition politicians, Sinha isn't exactly worried about rupee plummeting to new lows. He blames it on temporary factors and recalled that RBI would intervene if required to reduce the volatility of the market.
However, Yashwant took a dig at current crop of BJP leaders by saying they aren't exactly well versed with economics. In this context, Yashwant recalled Narendra Modi and Sushma Swaraj's remarks about the plummeting rupee in 2013. He added that the rupee will find its own level vis-a-vis dollar and it wouldn't be have a huge impact on the economy.
About overall economy, 8-10% growth rate is needed, he said. Post 2015, GDP calculation methodology has been changed, which has led to 2% uptick in growth rate, said the former Finance Minister. He also alleged GDP data wasn't collaborating with the other growth indices.
Regarding the last four years, he said the govt was lucky to see a massive drop in crude oil prices which led to drop in current account deficit, decreased government’s subsidy bill.
According to him, unlike the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government not many major schemes have been taken up by the Narendra Modi government. Currently 97 schemes are being run by PM's name, which isn't correct according to him as the states should lead the way ideally.
He also said that loan waiver wasn’t the only solution for farmer's woes.
Prices have crashed in mandi, said the ex-FM. He mentioned places like Mandsaur where farmers are still struggling according to him. There will be political impact of farmer distress, says Yashwant Sinha. They won't vote on narrow issues of caste and religion, predicted the outspoken leader from Jharkhand.
Regarding foreign policy, Yashwant advocated India to stand up to US demands. He said that US was doing a wrong thing by asking India to stop trade with Iran. He asks rhetorically, if US agrees to what India says. Iran is a very important, friendly, neighbouring country.
From strategic and military point of view, Iran is key to India, advocated Sinha and strongly batted for New Delhi not to listen to Uncle Sam’s diktats.
According to Yashwant, US only cares about itself and wouldn’t think twice about trampling over India’s needs.
Tariffs on import have been imposed under Trump administration, recalled former EAM. Outlining several foreign policy lacunae of the government, Sinha said that India hasn't got much success with China.
He said: “China is slowly exerting influence on India's closest neighbours. India's influence should be such that people listen to our views, mentions Sinha. Regarding Modi's friendly demeanour with world leader, Yashwant Sinha said: “Foreign policy is not event management, it is not about showing a movie."
Weighing in on the surgical strike, Sinha said, “No advantage has been gained from surgical strike". However, it is an emotional issue and has become an indicator of whether you are a nationalist or anti-nationalist, mocks Yashwant Sinha. Leaking of surgical strike video was not right and should be probed.”
Yashwant however refused to speculate about the number of seats BJP will get in 2019. He observed that UP, Bihar, Jharkhand and Maharashtra were 4 states with 182 seats and a potent opposition could make BJP's situation difficult.
He also played down lack of any opposition face for 2019, saying it is a non-issue which BJP is propping up to make Modi an inevitable choice.
Regarding his role in the upcoming elections, Yashwant Singh has a cryptic answer, "Will speak for the nation.”
Here's the full interview:
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