Technocrat-turned-politician Sam Pitroda, 76, was former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi's friend. Today, the Gen Next of the Gandhi family trusts his counsel the most. Pitroda, who divides his time between the US and India, has played an important role in the shaping of Congress president Rahul Gandhi's political career and in the enhancement of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's involvement in politics.
In an exclusive interview with THE WEEK, Pitroda says Priyanka is a great asset to the Congress, and dismisses suggestions that she will eclipse her brother, saying the two work as a team and complement each other. Excerpts:
What is the significance of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's entry into politics?
It is significant. I am happy Priyanka has decided to enter politics. She brings in great value to the Congress. She is politically sound and has tremendous people skills. She is a great asset to the party and to the Congress president. This will have a positive effect on the morale of party workers. She brings in young energy and enthusiasm to the political environment. Also, I feel that Rahul and Priyanka complement each other.
The timing of Priyanka's entry into politics seems to have been carefully decided.
Priyanka comes in as the Congress gears up for the Lok Sabha elections. The timing was decided by the Congress president. It had to be decided by them. Earlier, she wanted to focus more on her children. There were family constraints. She is a mother of two kids. Like any normal human being, she wanted to give priority to the family.
In the last few years, she did step up her political involvement.
She became actively involved in election management ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in 2014. She stepped in to help her brother, and was like the chief of staff in Rahul's office. And that involvement has continued.
What qualities does she bring to the table?
I have seen Priyanka and Rahul grow up. Priyanka is very smart, but she puts the other person at ease. She listens carefully, and takes quick decisions. And, of course, she has great people skills. She speaks well and looks good on TV.
What are Priyanka's challenges in Uttar Pradesh?
That is a question that she can answer. The task is difficult, no doubt, but I am confident that she will react adequately to the situation. It is not a new territory for her. She is well versed with the organisation in Uttar Pradesh and has a connect with the leaders and workers there.
Critics say this could lead to two parallel power centres in the Congress.
Rahul and Priyanka are very close to each other. They work as a team. They trust each other the most. They have their distinct qualities, and that is something good. The Congress, too, thrives on differences. That is what Indian democracy is all about. Rather than a dictatorial leader calling the shots, the Congress believes in inclusive democracy, in the values of freedom, equality and in respecting diverse ideas. In fact, Rahul has been keen that Priyanka should step up her political involvement.
It is being said that Priyanka might eclipse Rahul.
They are actually a team. They complement each other. He is good at analysing situations. He has a clear vision about what needs to be done to empower people and protect democratic values. She is good at people skills and has been deeply involved with election management and organisational issues.
For the Congress, what is the significance of the coming Lok Sabha elections?
The next election will be a battle of two big ideas. The idea of inclusion, about freedom, about being able to get a job and earn from the farm is what the Congress is fighting for. Everyone should be able to pursue his or her dreams in an atmosphere of freedom. I want to cite my own example. I could dream big and achieve my ambitions despite my humble background. People should not lose touch with these fundamentals of democracy and inclusion.
What will be the important issues in this election?
Employment, farm distress, economy, infrastructure, education—how do we create all this? That will be the most important question in these elections.
BJP leader Arun Jaitley has said that this election will be 'strong leader' vs 'chaos'.
If he feels that democracy is chaos, then God save him. The churning that happens in chaos is useful. And, how has the strong leadership that he talks about proven to be useful? It is not about a strong leader. The heart should be in the right place. He or she should be willing to compromise, take everyone along [and] have a strong moral fabric. He is not running a company. The country is not a company.
There is talk about how strong Brand Modi is. Did Mahatma Gandhi have a PR agency? For building a nation, you do not need a brand. You cannot link the destiny of a nation to a brand. Who are you trying to fool?
The BJP says Priyanka's political plunge perpetuates dynasty politics.
People can always say that. By that argument, there are dynasties in other parties, too. A businessman's son becomes a businessman, a carpenter's son can take up the same profession. Similar is the case with a doctor or a politician. The question is whether the person is qualified for that job or not. If the person is not qualified, he or she will not succeed. The same holds true for politics. Success depends on the individual's own qualities.
There is a lot of democracy in the Congress. The party has space for diverse ideas and different points of view. That is the beauty of the organisation.
What is Rahul Gandhi's vision for India?
His vision is very clear, and he has articulated it on various occasions, both in India and during his interactions with the diaspora abroad. First comes the idea of inclusion, which he backs in the great battle of ideas. Employment is another important issue for him. The present dispensation has messed up on employment. These are the two big ideas, and everything flows from that.