The Congress has played its trump card in Uttar Pradesh. How do you see Priyanka Gandhi’s entry into politics ?
If Priyanka Gandhi or any other member of her family comes into politics, there is nothing new in that. The Congress is a party of the ‘family’. And, the ‘family’ runs the party as its property. Second, in politics, two plus two is not always four. Mayawati and Akhilesh coming together does not mean that some big change will come. Many experiments are being conducted, like the opposition parties, the anti-Modi parties [coming together]. Similar experiments have been conducted in the past as the [opposition] does not have any singular issue to convince the people. People have decided in favour of the Modi government in 2019.
Priyanka has been given charge of the politically important eastern UP, which includes Varanasi and Gorakhpur. Is the Congress sending a message that it is ready for a fight?
For the Congress, the issue is Priyanka. For the BJP, the issue is progress and prosperity of the country. She is the Congress party’s last card. The Congress will realise it when it loses everything. By then, it will be too late.
Which is a bigger challenge for the BJP in UP—the SP-BSP alliance or the Priyanka-led Congress?
All three parties challenge each other. Earlier, the SP and the BSP said they would not leave anything for the Congress. So, the Congress used Priyanka to pressurise them for a few more seats. It is their own issue to play games with each other. It will not affect us.
The Gandhi surname has a recall value. Do you think people will be influenced by her?
The Gandhi family has misused the name since independence. But, people have become smarter. They will not be taken in by such gimmicks.
Rahul and Priyanka will start their UP campaign after a dip at the Kumbh. Are they playing the soft hindutva card?
Many people take a dip. There is nothing new. It will not have much appeal.
What are the main issues for UP in the parliament elections?
We will go to the people with our performance. The Modi government has done a lot for the people. There are three issues—iqbal (authority), insaaf (justice) and imaan (integrity). The Modi government has established the stature and authority of the government, which was missing. Earlier, there was no respect for the office of the prime minister. Modi restored that pride and stature. He has also ensured social justice for all castes through the SC/ST Act, the OBC commission and the 10 per cent quota for the economically weaker sections among upper castes. The government ensured integrity and honesty as no scams were reported.