Nationalist Congress Party presidentSharad Pawarspeaks on the BJP’s electoral discourse that is focussed on Hindutva, Pakistan and personal attacks on Opposition leaders, and asserts that this indicates the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, is frustrated. Excerpts:
From banter about nuclear weapons to strapping Rahul Gandhi on a missile or a fighter plane, what do you make of the BJP’s recent electoral pitch?
The Prime Minister is confused. The Prime Minister is an institution of which one has to maintain the dignity. His campaign started with Hindutva. In 2014, it was development, and the people of the country thought, ‘Why not give an opportunity to him’ and people supported him.
But what is his performance in five years? Agriculture, farmer suicides, demonetisation, no industrial growth. And therefore, there are no specific points on which he can convince people to support him. That’s why he is resorting to this, and then there are the personal attacks... on the Nehru-Gandhi family in the country, and in Maharashtra, on Sharad Pawar’s family.
You have participated in over 14 elections... have you seen such a level of discourse?
I have not seen a person occupying the PMO campaigning in such a manner. I remember the speeches of Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and others. They always maintained the sanctity and dignity of the institution. But this gentleman has no qualms about it and can go down to any level possible for political gains.
You referred to personal attacks against you, but you have refrained from a counter-offensive. Do you think that the Opposition’s reluctance to match BJP’s comments aimed at catching voters’ attention, could hurt?
Unfortunately, the ruling party has resorted to such techniques and it has worked in their favour in the past.
But I am sure people will realise. Ultimately, an election is an opportunity for political parties to reach out to people with their programmes, future plans. This was happening in India. Modi ji has changed it.
With a lot of first-time voters, do you feel the PM’s pitch of nationalism and military aggression against Pakistan will attract the youth?
He did ask for votes based on actions taken after the Pulwama attack. He wants to exploit that sentiment because he has nothing else to tell voters.
What does the introduction of terror accused Pragya Singh Thakur as a BJP candidate indicate?
Modi wants to play the communal card and wants to exploit that feeling. But I doubt how much that will help him.
Since his first rally in Maharashtra, Mr. Modi has been targeting only you. You have been the sole major campaigner for the Congress-NCP alliance across the State. Is there a leadership vacuum in the State’s Opposition?
Not really. I have always campaigned extensively, even when there were no helicopters. I like this. I have realised the danger of Modi’s continuation. I feel it is my duty to create new leadership to protect interests of the State.
At the same time, the danger is the authoritarian approach of Mr. Modi. He is also attacking my family. Is this a national issue or an election issue? Only a frustrated man can go to this level. It is the desperation of Modi that is visible.
Do you feel that the Election Commission is impartial, given its stance on some leaders’ speeches and silence on the PM’s invocation of the armed forces and other comments?
Not just that... Mr. Modi held a roadshow today after voting. There was no action. I won’t comment on whether the EC has lost its credibility, but yes, we were shocked. The EC seems to be not noticing what Mr. Modi is doing.
What has the Opposition learned from five years of government led by Narendra Modi?
We haven’t learned much as an Opposition, but have surely learned how to use government machinery when one is in the government.
With three phases over, what is your reading of the nation’s mood?
I can say that the BJP will not get the required numbers. They won’t form the government and others will have to come together like in 2004 and formulate a common minimum programme to provide a stable government.
Ultimately, we came to an understanding that we will complete the election process and then we will sit. I am 100% sure that after the election, we will come together.
Given your equations with other parties, you could be the glue to bring all Opposition leaders together...
I can provide the network to bring all the leaders together. We can definitely work on that, we are working on that.
Could you then be a PM candidate?
I am not insisting on any position. I have been a Minister for 25 years. That is enough. I will not accept any such offer. I am not thinking on that level. I will see to it that some good leader is being picked.
In 1967, when I was given an opportunity as a 27-year-old by the Congress, some seniors opposed the move. It was Yashwantrao Chavan who said it is our duty to prepare future leadership for the party. I think the same situation exists today.
It is the responsibility of me and my generation to create new leadership. We have to give opportunity to new youngsters.
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis claims you chose to run away from contesting this time...
I stopped contesting polls in 2014. If he [Mr. Fadnavis] is saying this in election rallies, then I must say he is extremely childish. He knows that I am a Rajya Sabha member. I have fought over 14 elections. And if he is making the statement then, it shows the level of his persona.
Is there a possibility of NCP merging with the Congress?
No. We are working separately. We are independent identities. We are happy.
Does the Opposition lack a leader of Narendra Modi’s stature as local issues are playing a major role in their Maharashtra campaign?
Local leaders cannot expose Narendra Modi. A person like me has to take the responsibility to highlight the failure of central government or to address issues of national interests. Leaders at lower ranks will only expose failures at their level.
Raj Thackeray too is on a tour exposing the central government. Are his rallies helping you?
He met me. He told me that he is not going to contest Lok Sabha, but will target the Assembly polls. He honestly feels that the Modi-Amit Shah duo is going to create serious problems for the nation. He said he is going to highlight that and he is doing that. That will be definitely beneficial for us.
Prakash Ambedkar has formed a separate alliance. Do you think it will harm the Opposition’s chances?
That’s not new. We have such experiences in the past also. We prefer not to comment on him.
