Karnataka results will reduce Congress to Congress P (Punjab-Pondicherry): Javadekar to WION

BJP and Congress are locked in a bitter battle in the southern state of Karnataka. For Congress, it is a battle of survival and retaining the state is crucial as it is the only big state under its kitty. On the other hand, Karnataka is where BJP wants to prove a point. Its southern foray till date has only been successful in this state. BJP was able to form the government in 2008. Losing the state would be akin to losing the battle of the South. HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar is the election in-charge for the state. He spoke at length about BJP’s strategy and issues plaguing the state. He said that BJP will wrest the state away from Congress. Lingayat issue and language politics will not sway the voters as people will vote on the basis of work done by the Congress, he said and added that BJP is under no tacit alliance with JD (S) and will not require anyone’s support to form the government.

Q: How confident is BJP of winning the election?
A: We will win this election by a huge margin. We will form the government with a full majority. There will be no hung assembly.

Q: What are the primary issues for the BJP in the state assembly election?
A: Our issues are about people. 2500 farmers have committed suicide in the state. Farmers suicide has increased in the last five years. The government of the state has failed miserably. Centre had to intervene and help the farmers. Rural distress is a reality here. 85 percent of the area in Karnataka is rural. There is a law and order problem in the state. Corruption too is an issue. It is a corrupt government and people want change.

Q: Congress has alleged on the other hand that despite a strong drought Maharashtra received more money than Karnataka?
A: Karnataka CM has seen both UPA and NDA function. The state during UPA received only Rs. 88,000 crores while under us they have been receiving 2 lakh 19 thousand crore rupees. On top of it many schemes like highways, Centre has invested money in great volume. We have not discriminated against Karnataka. State government did not utilize the funds properly.

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Q: Is corruption an issue in Karnataka?
A: Yes. It is one of the major issues. Sand mafia is ruling the state. Sand which cost Rs. 3000 per truck today costs Rs.30,000. Today sand is being imported from Malaysia. The same sand is cheaper in Chennai if compared to rates in Bengaluru. It is a commission Sarkar. It is a 10 percent government. It is a Siddha-rupaiya Sarkar.

Q: In most of the assembly elections, BJP dictated the narrative but it seems in Karnataka, Congress is driving the political narrative?
A: I disagree. The situation on the ground has changed. It may have been true for 2017 but 2018 is different. Congress is in a defensive mode. In last 4 years, Congress lost 10 states. This is going to be their 11. Karnataka will be our 21st state and it will reduce Congress to Congress P, which means Congress (Punjab-Pondicherry).

Q: What is your party’s position on Lingayat issue?
A: The policy of the Congress is that of divide and rule. I was in charge of Manipur, they divided Kukis, Metis and Nagas. Our policy is to unite and prosper. This issue will impact the Congress. Many people advised CM not to do it but the Congress went ahead thinking that it will stop BS Yeddyurappa from becoming the Chief Minister.

Q: But Yeddyurappa himself as a Chief Minister, petitioned the UPA government which was rejected by them?

A: This government did nothing in last 4 years except to take up this issue in last two months. In 2013, UPA government rejected. This is an electoral gimmick. It is pure politics.

Q: Why do leaders of all political parties keep on visiting Mathas?
A: Mathas are not only about Lingayats. Mathas in Karnataka have played an important role in social reforms. They have done a good job in the field of education. They took education to all corners of the state and to all sections of the society. Kannadiga philosophy is to live and let live. Like temples, people also go to mathas.

Q: There is an assertion of language in the state and then the issue of the flag. Where does BJP stand in all of this?
A: Diversity is the strength of this country and culture. We respect diversity and all languages and we are committed to developing all Indian languages. Karnataka state also has a song. It is a good thing. But all of this will not create a separate electorate for the Congress. People cannot be divided on these issues.

Q: What about the flag?
A: It is a technical issue and it is not an issue in this election. Concerned departments are looking into the issue.

Q: How do you look at incidents of violence which have taken place in coastal Karnataka?
A: It is organised violence. 25 BJP workers have been killed. PFI goons are behind it. They come here kill and go back. This government hobnobs with them. They have support from SDPI. They are in alliance with Congress in Bengaluru corporation. There is no serious effort to control these goons. Being a patriot is not a sin in this country.

Q: Why is BJP being targeted?
A: There are many reasons. Terror organisations are behind and the government has failed to protect the citizens.

Q. Siddaramaiah says that 15th Finance Commission is not fair to us?
A: Let me clarify. The whole discussion is about terms of reference. Those who have ensured population control should be encouraged and given funds but a state which is poor and have large population should also be able to receive grants. It is not a one point formula. It takes diversity and regional imbalances into account. There will be no injustice to Karnataka. Unfortunately, this government has failed to utilize the funds and 15th Commission will be fair and accommodate everyone.

Q: Karnataka CM also said that this election about communalism Vs secularism?
A: It is not. It is nationalism vs pseudo-secularism. We are fighting elections on the issue of development. Congress has lost touch with poor people. Once upon a time, they had this plank now it has gone to BJP.

Q: Congress says that its national revival will start from Karnataka?
A: Daydreaming is not banned. The fact remains we will win this state.

Q: Your party has expanded a lot after 2014 elections. You have done well in urban seats in past what have you done to push yourself in rural areas and southern Karnataka?
A: Our base is in rural areas. We will sweep Bengaluru. We do have a problem with a couple of seats but that’s about it. There will be no hung assembly. We will get an absolute majority.

Q: What about the narrative that JD (S) may become a kingmaker eventually?
A: If someone wants to take relief from such scenarios, let them. Fact remains that hung assembly will not happen. People love Modi. There will be a decisive change in Karnataka. Yeddyurappa is the rural face of the state.

Q: What about pending projects like Mahadayi river issue? It remains unresolved?
A: Congress created the mess. Goa Congress was opposed to it when Goa CM very graciously had said that 7.5 TMC water will be provided to Karnataka. There is a problem of water scarcity in the country. We will have to save and generate water at the same time.

Q: It is being said that BJP has a tacit understanding with JD (S). Your comments?
A: Absolutely not. It is a triangular contest. JD (S) is in a pocket. Congress is spread through the state and barring few districts. We are also spread through the state. We are fighting this election on our own.

Q: Regional parties are tying up with each other. It is happening in Karnataka as well. How do you see this development?
A: Everyone is free to do what they want in the country. We have our ideology and commitment. We will be voted in for good governance. Let people experiment.

Q: Has BJP become the new Congress?
A: When we opposed Congress, it was based on ideology. The opportunistic alliance has no future because they are not based on ideology. I don’t think it will succeed. We are the largest party in the world. We have 11 crore members. Page pramukhs are our strength.

Q: What is your party’s position on the controversies caused by Ananth Kumar Hegde?
A: He has clarified in Parliament and apologized. On certain issues, he has his own learning curve and on certain issues, we have made it clear that if someone speaks out of party line, we will not endorse it.

Q: What is going to be the schedule of the PM?
A: He will start campaigning from 1st May. His campaign will create a good momentum for us.

Q: Lastly, why is Karnataka important to you?
A: Karnataka is important in our scheme of things as it deserves much better. We will bring transparency to the government and ensure people’s participation. Centre and state will work closely.

Q Any message for the Bangaloreans?
A: We have launched a special campaign for the city. A garden city has been converted into a garbage city. A city of lakes has been converted into a city of lakes on fire. A beautiful city has been turned into a city of potholes where 16 people have died because of accidents. IT city has become a crime city. We will work on all these fronts. New Bengaluru for New India is our signature campaign.