BJP’s Lok Sabha election in-charge and National Working Committee Member Dr. Vinay Sahastrabuddhe said after both phases of voting in the state that BJP is winning all 25 seats. No seat is stuck. In a special conversation with The Daily Guardian, he openly expressed his views regarding Congress, Indi alliance as well as Sam Pitroda’s inheritance tax. He said that Congress and Indi alliance neither have policy nor intention. Also said that we talk about performance of politics and ask for votes on the basis of our performance. Here are edited excerpts from the interview:
Question: Voting has taken place on all the seats in Rajasthan. After low turnout in the first phase, did the strategy change for the second phase? Along with this, how do you see the voting trend?
Answer: Yes, of course the elections have been completed very peacefully in Rajasthan. Many congratulations to the people of the state for this. As far as low turnout is concerned in the first phase, we held as many meetings of power centers as possible before the second phase of elections so that the workers get inspiration. We worked more on this. We continuously kept in touch with every booth and strengthened the system. As far as the voting trend is concerned, I do not believe in the loss of less voting or the benefit of more voting. Conventional logic says that when there is a change in the government, people vote with enthusiasm. When the government does not have to be changed, the voting percentage remains low. However, it is good for the health of democracy that voting should be more. Voters should be aware of their voting rights. The Prime Minister is also reiterating that voting should be done more. Everyone will benefit from greater voting. Whatever may be the voting trend, our victory is certain.
Question: You are saying that your victory on all the seats is certain. But, political analysts are also believing that many seats of BJP are stuck between Congress and Indi Alliance this time. What will you say?
Answer: Many times political analysts hesitate to say that there has been one-sided voting in favor of BJP. In such a situation, he says that there is tough competition on some seats. Well, there is a challenge in every constituency. This is why our leaders go to all areas and hold road shows and meetings. Let’s look at the situation at the ground level. We never take any choice for granted. For us, elections are a test and we will pass this test. As far as Congress and Indi Alliance are concerned, they neither have any policy nor any leader. In such a situation, question marks are raised on their intentions. Their leaders are saying that we do not want to contest elections. Congress workers were not even seated at many booths. Therefore, none of our seats are stuck.
Question: Ashok Gehlot said that PM Narendra Modi has abandoned the slogan of crossing 400 after the first phase of elections. Similarly, now the PM himself is not even taking the word guarantee. Is this a strategic change?
Answer: Look, elections are a test. Every student aspires to score more marks in the examination. Elections are a test for us and it reflects our higher thinking ability. We have set a target to reach 400, which reflects our thinking and reflects the vision of the Prime Minister. As far as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s guarantee is concerned, it is already in existence. The discussion about Modi’s guarantee has been going on for a year. In such a situation there is no issue on this. Today people have faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Prime Minister has proved himself to be a popular leader through his tireless work and honesty. We talk about performance of politics, that is, we ask for votes on the basis of our performance. There is no other organization which asks for votes on the basis of its performance.
Question: Sam Pitroda has talked about inheritance tax. There is an uproar after this. What would you like to say about this?
Answer: It is natural that political parties have their own history and parties cannot be separated from that ideology. The history of Congress is limited to one family. The leaders of this party see things as the property of the family. Congress did not become disillusioned with socialism. He considered socialism as an ideology. However, in the year 1991 he talked about open economy. Still he could not separate himself from socialist thinking. These people suffer from guilt. This is why their leaders based abroad talk about inheritance tax. These people consider secularism and socialism as election agenda. It is not important for us, that is why you see that Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar did not include these words in the Preamble of the Constitution.
Question: You are talking about the Constitution, but Congress is saying that if BJP gets 400 seats then the Constitution itself will be changed.
Answer: Congress is adopting its old tactics. He has not said this for the first time. This was said during Atal ji’s time also and now once again he is saying the same. We have implemented the basic spirit of Baba Saheb Ambedkar’s Constitution. Baba Saheb wanted to remove Article 370 and we have removed it. Whereas these people could not remove him. We have served the Constitution. We are committed to the Constitution. These people only spread unrestrained propaganda.
Question: Leaders from different parties have joined BJP in Rajasthan. Those who raised slogans of BJP Murdabad are also in BJP today. The real worker is distressed. Will any training be given to such leaders so that they understand the customs and policies of the party?
Answer: The work of the party is that we include those who are of our ideology and are sitting separately, into the party. Training is a continuous process. Everyone will be tested and judged. Some people are also trained by the environment. It is not that if someone comes to our party, whatever past sins he has committed, he is forgiven. If any action is being taken against someone then it will continue in the same manner. For BJP, all the workers are their property.
