‘The BJP Is An Expert At Murdering Democracy, But Indians Are Wiser'

Appointed general secretary in-charge of Uttar Pradesh (West), former Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has been tasked with the responsibility of not just delivering seats for the Congress but also—as party president Rahul Gandhi has said—ensuring the BJP does not gain from Congress candidates pitted against the BSP-SP contestants. Now campaigning extensively in his constituency, Guna, Scindia spoke to Rahul Noronha on issues such as building the party in UP, alliances, his idea of friendship in politics and the prospect of his wife joining politics.

Q By not forging an alliance with the SP and BSP in UP and fielding candidates in seats where the alliance has strong candidates, is the Congress cutting into the ‘secular’ vote?

A. It’s very difficult to generalise. Contests in a Lok Sabha election are too granular and I’ve witnessed three paradigms in UP. One, places where we have very strong candidates and it’s the gathbandhan candidate who may end up helping the BJP but where we feel our candidate will eventually trump everyone. Two is where we have a strong candidate, who will poll a sizable number of votes and we want to prepare the ground for the future. Three, where we don’t have a strong presence. There, the outcome will vary—what you are saying may be true or the converse.

Q. What is your view on Priyanka Gandhi not standing against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Varanasi?

A. I don’t think anyone should have a view. I think it’s her personal decision, taken in consultation with the party. We must all respect that.