DNA CONVERSATION: No immediate plans to abrogate Article 370, says Avinash Rai Khanna

In-charge of Rajasthan and BJP’s national vice-president, Avinash Rai Khanna, in a free-rolling conversation with DNA shared his thoughts on critical decisions of the party that have impacted the political scenario of the country ahead of the general elections in 2019. He shed light on the break-up with PDP in Jammu and Kashmir, went to great pains to explain the Centre’s decision to stand by the ceasefire during holy month of Ramzan in spite of casualties, and made it clear why Vasundhara Raje will continue to be the party’s face in Rajasthan in the upcoming assembly polls.

Is withdrawing from the alliance with PDP in Jammu & Kashmir a step closer towards ending Article 370?

There is no immediate plan to abrogate Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir. Before taking a decision on Article 370 (which gives the status of an autonomous state to J&K), one has to first ready the public for it. Article 370 can be abolished only once the people there are ready to take the leap of faith. Also, the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) needs to have a two-thirds majority in the Parliament to take this up. If you look at it, there’s no utility of this Article today, but whenever there is any talk about Article 370, it becomes an issue.

Why did the BJP pull out of the Mufti government in J&K?

The decision wasn’t sudden as it seems. There were several issues that were at play. But BJP can never compromise with the country’s security, integrity and unity. The security of the country is the party’s first priority. We did everything to salvage the government, but there came a time when the nation’s security was at the risk of being compromised. We decided then, if our government in one state goes then let it be, but we will not compromise with the unity of our country. There definitely was a problem of law and order. We all witnessed that during Ramzan in J&K. 

Why then did the BJP refuse to end the ceasefire when there was so much bloodshed?

The word ‘ceasefire’ which is being used is not appropriate. Indian Army had started ‘Operation All Out’ against the militants in J&K. It was decided that during Ramzan the Army will not  carry out this Operation and the BJP also agreed to it. The Army did not conduct the Operation for one month. Then soldiers were killed, and a journalist was slain by the terrorists there. We were of the view that a knee-jerk reaction won’t do any good. So, we stood by pur word and let the ceasefire stay in place till Ramzan was over, even though the militants did not. It was then that the party decided to break the coalition with PDP in J&K. 

Was the decision to withdraw from J&K government taken in anticipation of a terror attack on Amarnath pilgrims?

Amarnath Yatra is our priority, no doubt. But, it is not true that this alliance broke due to the Yatra. The Amarnath Yatra happened last year too. All arrangements regarding the safety and security of the pilgrims have been made.

Now, the terrorist outfits have welcomed the Amarnath pilgrims...

We welcome this statement on the Yatra by the terrorist organisations. And, it is possible because of the Army. The influence of security forces has increased in Jammu and Kashmir.

In states BJP went to polls, splinter groups and leaders in opposition allied with the party? Is BJP engineering a similar feat in Rajasthan?

First let me make it clear that the BJP never tries to engineer a split in a party or create a rift among its members. Our party is the largest in the world and if leaders of other parties decide to join us we welcome them. 

On one hand, BJP is welcoming people from other parties while on the other, Ghanshyam Tiwari had to leave the party...

Ghanshyam Tiwari was a good and a senior party worker. His case was under consideration in the party’s disciplinary committee. Even before the party could arrive at a decision, he decided to leave the party. I can say only this that the BJP is like a huge tree. Just as the leaves and flowers from a tree cannot survive once they fall of the tree, similarly no leader has grown in stature or made a dent after separation from the BJP. 

Is the party looking at a leadership change in the state?

Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje is the party’s leader in the state. The state government is doing a very good job under the leadership of Raje. There is no question of a change in leadership. The upcoming Assembly elections will be fought under the leadership of the chief minister. And, with the feedback we are receiving from the ground, we are absolutely certain of a win. 

Can you share the feedback? And, are you confident of returning to power in Rajasthan?

Our government in Rajasthan has done some exemplary work. We have actively engaged with the people as a welfare state by implementing Centre and state schemes that help the beneficiaries directly. Bhamashah is one such scheme. No government is perfect. It is a huge machinery, but we managed to reach out to 2.5 crore beneficiaries, which is incredible. Also, the work carried out by the government in the implementation of Centre’s schemes is praiseworthy.  

Is personality important or party? 

Party is supreme. There is no doubt about that.  

What happens when the personality takes the lead over party and commands its fate?

There are two parts to this question. I shall begin with answering the first party. There are examples where a person has infused the party with energy, gained the trust of the rank and file and delivered the results. But the problem begins when a person starts thinking that the party’s existence is because of him.  That is when the leader has lost the plot.