I did not compare Modiji with any member of my family: Varun Gandhi

For the past few years, Varun Gandhi has almost been missing. The two-time BJP MP has been writing extensively on key policy issues and addressing students and civil society groups across India. He has been charting his own course, which, at times, seems to be independent of his party.

The 38-year-old, who has written two poetry books, has now chosen a subject that politicians love to talk about—India’s villages. Titled The Rural Manifesto, the 825-page academic book, designed by his wife, Yamini, aims to transform the rural economy.

There were protests against your candidature at the local level.

When I came, they all welcomed me immediately. Some wanted the ticket for themselves. There is absolutely nothing wrong in that. It is a democratic system. Anybody has the right to ask for a ticket for themselves, and then the party takes a decision. Then, like in all disciplined parties, everybody falls in line.

You spoke about prime ministers in your family and that there has been nobody like Modi.

No, I did not say that. What I said was, for a period, the country has not had such honest, patriotic and strong leadership. Period means for a while and a while could be 25 years, 20 years or 30 years. The comparison between Modiji and any member of my family was not made by me.

Why does the talk about you joining the Congress never die?

Part of the fault is mine, because I do not speak to the media very often. I gave an interview after seven years. Because I do not talk about a lot of things, a lot of things arise out of people’s imagination. What can I say? There has never been any truth in it.

Why did you swap your constituency with your mother?

I have been an MP from Pilibhit before. This is the constituency I have grown up in. Except for one assembly [constituency] which was made part of the [Lok Sabha] constituency recently, the others I know like home.

Do you think Priyanka Gandhi’s entry into politics will have an impact?

I do not think so at the moment. I do not want to discuss anything for and against any individual, because I am interested in social processes. I think the Congress, as it stands today, is not battle-ready. Modi has given people a sense of security and hope. The poorer sections have a sense that he is one of them, he has risen from their ranks. He is an inspirational leader. I just do not see the same on the other side.

Would you speculate on Rahul Gandhi as a prime minister?

No, that is not my job.

What are you plans for Pilibhit?

I want to build inter-colleges and higher education colleges. I want a corruption-free network established.

Do you see yourself as playing a bigger role in UP politics? There was a time when you were touted as a chief ministerial candidate.

I never wanted that job. I am from Delhi. I could not see myself living in Lucknow. I do not want to move my child to Lucknow. I am happy in Delhi. I do not want to do state politics. I want to do national politics, if given a chance.

What kind of role do you see for yourself after the election?

It is not my call to take. Some things should be left to leadership and destiny.

Do you think your importance in the party has diminished because of your outspokenness and ambitions?

I just wrote. I never spoke. Then, how can I be outspoken? What ambition did I display? How was I projecting myself as a chief ministerial candidate? A bunch of polls came out on channels and said that. I was just minding my own business. I do not think anyone can say I am overambitious. I am generally quite introverted. Most people tell me that I am completely unambitious. I do not push myself. That is exactly who I am.