Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot, always considered a leader in touch with the grassroots, is one of the key campaigners for the Congress and, as one of its two poles, also tentatively tipped for a second tenure in case the party wins the December 7 Assembly elections. Crisscrossing the state at present, Gehlot eked out some time for a quick chat with Santwana Bhattacharya. Edited Excerpts:
How much will the Prime Minister’s speech impact the voter’s mind in Jodhpur, especially his critique that the Congress president is questioning his knowledge of Hinduism instead of talking about bijli, sadak, paani (power, roads and water)? You’re contesting from the area, and it’s considered to be your stronghold.
I’m sorry to say, it’s our Prime Minister who has been talking about all kinds of issues, like “naamdaar (leader by virture of name) and kaamdaar (leader by virtue of work)”, except what’s plaguing the state. He’s unable to give a report of the current state government, because people are angry with it. Farmers have to stand in long queues for urea, and even then they don’t get it... Has he once spoken about how the people’s issues are going to be solved? Attacking the Congress party cannot bring a solution to the people’s plight. So I don’t think his speeches can have any impact that way, when the people of Rajasthan made up their minds much earlier.
But the Congress has also been talking about extraneous issues, about who can or has the right to speak about the Hindu faith (like, CP Joshi). You yourself made a cautionary statement warning against such loose comments backfiring, like they did in the Gujarat elections. And the Congress president has made visiting temples almost part of his campaign...then the ‘gotra’ isssue was raked up...
Why can’t Rahul Gandhi visit a temple or a place of worship? That’s his personal choice, a question of faith. Political leaders in the past have often done the same. (Atal Bihari) Vajpayeeji had also visited the Brahma temple in Pushkar. Did we ever make an issue out of it? Can someone go to Pushkar without praying at the temple? The other (gotra) issue was blown up by the media. They have a problem with anything the Congress president does. They probably feel threatened. Rahulji’s main focus is always on people’s issues. We are seeking votes by providing a clear alternative policy framework. We said, and are saying, ‘ki hamare sarkar mein logon ki sunwai hogi (people’s voices will be heard and responded to in our government); that’s the most important thing in a democracy, after an election is won, keeping the communication channels open. We are not the ones talking about Hanumanji’s caste!
The Congress has failed to declare a chief ministerial candidate. There’s talk about a tussle between you and your colleague Sachin Pilot. You’ve said, “why two, there are four times the number of capable leaders in the Congress”, the BJP is citing it, calling it a sign of confusion.
The Congress has never fought an election in Rajasthan with a declared CM candidate. The CM is chosen by the elected representatives. Which means the people, workers of the party or their representatives decide. That’s our system. Should we have taken that decision right away? The idea of a “tussle” is part of the propaganda by our opponents. They are very good at it. We’re working as a team, under Rahulji’s leadership – that’s our structure. The Congress does have tall leaders in Rajasthan, because of which we’ll be able to provide good quality governance. That’s the point I made. As for me, I’ve never asked for any position ever in my life. The party has given me many opportunities, in the state and in the Centre. I’m grateful for it. Now also, I’ll do exactly what the party and our leadership tell me to do, whether in Delhi or in the state. I’ll do my best, wherever I’m needed.
On the ground, there’s talk that the Congress candidate selection has been bungled, that your party could have managed much better choices.
I agree to some extent. The candidate selection could have been better in some constituencies. But these are perennial problems that a big party faces in every election. Even the BJP is facing the same issue in many constituencies, maybe more than us. In fact, a new party has come about because of their internal tussle. On the other hand, I think we’ve been able to limit the damage, though the problem is there.
Mewar is considered the bellwether region of the state. How do you think your party will fare?
So many new parties have come up (that are) contesting in Mewar. What all new names! These will cut into votes, no doubt. But it will cut both ways. The overall result, I’m hoping, will be good.