What are the issues on which you are asking for votes in Haryana?
In 2014, people showed faith in us. And we have delivered. The issue of nationalism was created by the opposition. The opposition raised doubts about armed forces operations, which people started taking seriously. So, we had no option but to clarify to the people.
You cannot ignore nationalism, as it is actually a fundamental character of the people of India. Thousands of soldiers have laid down their lives for the country, and Haryana is a land of soldiers. Here, at least one person from a family is in the armed forces.
The state government has been accused of mishandling the Jat agitation in 2016.
The opposition is using the tactics of ‘offence as the best defence’. It is the Congress that had fuelled the agitation. Evidence of the direct role of several senior Congress leaders has surfaced. The opposition is only trying to create an atmosphere of communal divide to gain votes.
Haryana politics is dominated by Jats. As the first chief minister from the Punjabi community, did you face any challenge in running the government?
First of all, I do not connect myself to a particular community. I am a Haryanvi first. Punjabi is an identity. It is not a community or caste. Those linked to Punjab are known as Punjabis. Haryana was part of Punjab before the bifurcation in November 1966. Since then, those belonging to this side started calling themselves Haryanvi. I have been telling the people that they should correlate themselves with the state. Like a Gujarati in Gujarat, Haryanvi in Haryana.
The BJP’s policy is not to give loan waivers to farmers in Haryana. Will it affect the party politically?
I don’t think so. Our farmer is no longer illiterate or backward. Our primary aim was to address issues that led to poverty in the farming community. From raising the minimum support price to giving compensation under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna, we did a lot to improve their livelihood. In Haryana, we are giving additional financial assistance to not only farmers but also those below poverty line. I personally believe that a loan waiver makes a person lethargic. It does not address the core issue.
How do you see the challenge from the Congress’s NYAY (Nyuntam Aay Yojana)?
I don’t see any benefit, as there is no clarity on it. In fact, the scheme is not viable economically. Unless the Congress has a shadow budget for this scheme, this cannot be possible. To implement it, the government has to stop all ongoing welfare schemes. But, can it afford to close them down?
Former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda says the corruption cases against him are part of a vicious BJP campaign. What is your take on it, since you came to power on an anti-corruption promise?
First of all, I can assure you that corruption was an issue, is an issue and will remain an issue. The state government has provided documents related to the cases to the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate. Now, it is up to the investigating agencies to carry out the probe. Hooda, as chief minister, had said on the floor of the house that he is ready to face any probe. Why is he terrified now? The Dhingra commission, set up to look into the cases, is yet to give its report. The way Hooda is opposing the commission raises serious doubts.
The Congress has fielded heavyweight candidates for the Lok Sabha polls.
Candidate is not the lone factor in an election. [For the Congress,] heavyweights mean years of experience. They are not heavyweights in character. There are big question marks on everyone’s character.
What is the mood of the public?
The people of India have decided to bring back Narendra Modi as prime minister, as there is no one else in competition.
How do you see Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s entry into politics?
The public has started rejecting dynastic politics. I do not see her presence creating any impact.
The Congress has alleged corruption in the Rafale deal.
The Congress has always raised issues for which getting information is difficult—like Rafale and Balakot airstrike. To my knowledge, everything is documented in the Rafale deal. And, by raising questions about the authenticity of the airstrike, you are doubting the capability of our armed forces.
In the Rafale case, the Congress is demanding a joint parliamentary committee. Parliamentarians can never be investigators. The demand is only to get political mileage.
People call the Jannayak Janta Party, formed after a split in the Indian National Lok Dal, as a proxy for the BJP.
Of course, there is a similarity between the INLD and the BJP. Both of us are anti-Congress. We have supported each other against the Congress on previous occasions. But the BJP is now capable enough to form the government on its own. We do not need their support. Now the INLD and the Aam Aadmi Party are fighting a battle for their existence.
The assembly polls are due next year. Will the Lok Sabha election results have an impact on it?
It is very difficult to calculate the exact impact of the Lok Sabha results on the assembly polls. But, each victory has an impact on the next victory. In Haryana, we won the municipality and panchayat polls and, recently, the Jind assembly bypoll. Victory in Jind has created an atmosphere in favour of the BJP. By this logic, the Lok Sabha results will have an impact on the assembly polls. We are confident about the assembly polls as well.
Do you see yourself as the chief minister candidate?
Everyone has aspirations; there is nothing wrong in having aspirations. But there is no power tussle in our party. If I get a chance, I will serve the public. Otherwise, I will wait for another opportunity and do whatever the party asks me to do.