Jyotiraditya
Scindia is Congress’s chief whip in the Lok Sabha and MP from Guna,
Madhya Pradesh. Speaking with Amin Ali, Scindia discussed Congress
charges of communal polarisation against the government, debating an
anti-conversion Bill — and the presence of PM Modi versus Rahul Gandhi:
BJP says Congress is raking up communal polarisation to deflect attention from development — your response?
The country is witnessing an agenda of
polarisation being pushed with the help of state machinery — minorities
are being targeted, communal tension is high, riots and induced
conversions are carried out, Mahatma Gandhi’s killers are being deified
and unmentionable words are being said by ministers. Look at their
respect for Christmas — they issued circulars which they are in denial
of.
Communalism is being carried out like a pogrom by this government — even harshest condemnation is not enough.
Certain ministers have apologised — why not let the House function now?
These ministers apologised due to pressure
exerted by Congress in Parliament. These are serious issues — the prime
minister needs to speak on them.
Where is the intent shown during the
election campaign, the clarity of purpose talked of during rallies? He
needs to know the campaign is over and he is in power.
We will continue to fight for people and raise their voice.
BJP says Congress is deliberately using statements made by fringe elements?
The fringe is the mainstream in this
government. Sakshi Maharaj, who insulted the father of the nation by
praising Godse, was forced to apologise after opposition protests — why
are they being coy in condemning these ministers and organisations?
The government should say induced
conversions were wrong. They should say, ‘It is our mistake’, and
opposition will support government in running the House and in
development of the country.
Why don’t you give the government time to perform?
Give time for what? Time till the fundamental harmonious fabric of our society is totally fractured?
Border tensions, rail fare hike, communal
tension, black money issue and falling rupee prices are proofs that this
is a U-turn sarkar. It’s our duty to ask where the country is headed.
It’s our duty to remind them that people are asking for their Rs 15 lakh
promised on return of black money.
Just Swachh Bharat won’t be enough — they need to clear their hearts and minds.
Isn’t the economic mood improving?
Do you foresee foreign investment coming
in the country in the wake of such a polarised atmosphere? We were
promi-sed monumental changes — i haven’t even noticed incremental
changes.
Speaking of polarisation, BJP wants a clear debate on an anti-conversion Bill — your stand?
The issue is induced or forced conversion —
not anti-conversion. Inducement is a crime. BJP’s conveniently avoiding
this serious topic by masking it with an anti-conversion argument. It’s
only pursuing a communal agenda through this.
You’re insisting on the PM speaking — isn’t your party leader Rahul Gandhi rather elusive?
Be it forced eviction of slum dwellers in
Delhi or preventing opposition in Parliament from raising important
issues, Rahul Gandhi has been extremely active.
He is the force behind all the movements we’ve led against the present regimen.
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