Parliamentary Affairs and PWD Minister, Haryana, Randeep Surjewala tells Harpreet Bajwa that despite in-party disagreements and the anti-incumbency factor, the Congress is confident of holding on to power in the state. Excerpts:
What is the biggest achievement of your government in last 10 years?
It is the development agenda carried out by our government and decimation of the urban and rural divide. Also we finished the caste divide.
The Haryana Congress is marked with factionalism. Will it affect performance of the party in the coming polls?
Difference of opinions on issues is a healthy sign. I personally feel these differences emanate on account of personal agenda. We will be able to iron out the differences.
Will the anti-incumbency of the last 10 years affect your performance?
The Congress in Haryana has changed the political discussion. Its agenda of development and the good work done by it has made this issue a principal agenda for political parties and something for people to think about. Our good work will take care of the incumbency factor.
So many of the party leaders have left the Congress and joined other parties. Will it affect the Congress in the polls?
Personal aspirations and desire of political office are bigger for some than the party ideology. I am personally saddened by these developments and unethical exits from the party. But party is above all this and these exits will not affect the performance of the party.