LUCKNOW: Rallying for UP CM Yogi Adityanath, Union minister of state for social justice and empowerment Ramdas Athawale is sure that the ruling BJP will make a comeback in 2022 elections. He spoke to TOI’s Shailvee Sharda on the political situation in UP, Dalit politics and on Aryan Khan.
Q1: How do you see the present political canvas of UP?
A: It is in favour of incumbent CM Yogi Adityanath who has worked very hard for the people despite odds including the pandemic, under the guidance of our PM Narendra Modi.
Q2: Why do you think Yogi will make a comeback?
A: The electorate longs for Yogi. He has put an end to goonda raj in UP and established the rule of law. He has spared no one: neither goons nor men in khaki who take their duty lightly. He has created employment and ensured that central schemes reach people.
Q3: What reasons make you believe that other parties like Samajwadi Party and Congress will not do well?
A: The days of Maya and Mulayam are over. People of UP have lost faith in them.
Q4: Both Mayawati’s BSP and your party share a common cause: the welfare of Dalits. Why do you oppose her?
A: We do not use Dalits for our gains unlike her party. Republican Party was formed by Babasahab Bhimrao Ambedkar and we have carried his legacy forward whereas Mayawati has lost track of the mission and vision of Babasaheb. She experimented for the sake of power and failed both Brahmins and Dalits. We will urge Dalits in UP to join us and stop letting anyone use them.
Q5: Will your party contest elections in UP?
A: Talks are underway. If BJP agrees, we will field 8-10 candidates.
Q6: What are the issues affecting Dalits in UP?
A: The struggle of respect is still on. The situation has changed a lot since 2014. There may have been incidents of Dalit atrocities but governments, especially in UP, have taken prompt action. A lot more can change only when people stand up and fight for their rights.
Q7: What do you think is the future of people like Chandrashekhar Azad Ravan?
A: He is a local leader from Saharanpur. If he really wants to anchor change, he should leave his comfort zone.
Q8: Why do you want to send Aryan Khan to rehabilitation?
A: While charges against him are yet to be proved, it is undeniable that anyone in the grip of an addiction is also a victim of the intoxicant. An alcoholic is not sent to jail but to rehabilitation. A drug addict deserves similar treatment. Our ministry is proposing changes in the legal framework to transform the scenario.
