Senior Congress leader and former Union minister Salman Khurshid believes that minority drifts away from the Congress only when it is misguided by other parties. Talking to Shailvee Sharda, Khurshid spoke on various issues and the party’s manifesto for women and youth.
It appears that the poll battle is largely between BJP and SP. Why should someone choose Congress?
None of the opposition parties was in the picture when people from different walks of life, be it the daughters of Hathras and Unnao or the Dalit in Agra, were suffering under BJP government. We have been with the people when they needed us, therefore, they will also show faith in us. Whatever good that the nation can think of today has been built under the Congress governments.
But isn’t all this a thing of the past? Isn’t the Congress being seen as a sinking ship already with old loyals parting ways?
Not at all. It all is continuous and produces dividends. It is also not wise to brood over those who have left. In the battle of ideology, new friends joining and old departing is all part and parcel of the game.
Some of your colleagues are calling the departed as cowards? Do you agree with them?
No, I don’t. Those who leave have their reasons. As old fellows, I wish them luck.
What prospects do you see for SP, positioning itself as main contender against BJP?
Two main issues mar the prospects of SP. First is their appeasement of the minority community, while the second is the law and order issue. So far, Akhilesh has not been able to address both the problems.
Why do you believe that Congress is the natural choice of the minority community?
Congress is the only inclusive party which has given adequate representation to people from different walks of life and communities.
Why did Muslims drift away from Congress?
Minority drifts away from the Congress only when it is misguided by others.
Where do you see BSP in the poll canvas of 2022 Vidhan Sabha?
It has emerged as a contrived story. They seem to have forgotten their primary ideology.
The Congress manifesto for women and youth has been more like a policy document. What was its journey like?
We reached out to over a lakh people representing various sections of society. Several live and online consultations were held to understand the problem from all dimensions and the inputs gathered were eye-opening. Thereafter, we sat down with the academia and intelligentsia to come up with cost effective solutions that also empower people in need and distress.
Two sets of the manifesto have been released. Is a third one in the offing?
Yes, one that covers all other sections like elderly, service class and quality of life issues like electricity, etc. Some of these promises have already been announced as ‘pratigyas’ (vows).
What has been the experience with digital campaigning shaping poll equations?
I am positive about this and can foresee how it will change the rules of political connect in future. It is giving a personalised touch to campaigning. In live rallies, speakers come and go from the stage without getting to know if the message has reached the masses or not. Here, you are aware that those listening or watching are involved.
