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'Hindutva has boomeranged on BJP'

Former deputy chief minister of Gujarat, Narhari Amin, is a Congress heavy-weight. He belongs to the influential Patel community. And like every Patel leader of some weight, he dreams of occupying the chief minister's chair in Gandhinagar some day. Such is Amin's stature in the state that even rival Bharatiya Janata Party workers seem to be in awe of his contacts, resourcefulness and drive. He is credited with single-handedly demolishing the myth of Ahmedabad being an impregnable fortress of the BJP. He won a by-election in 2000 from Sabarmati, which falls under Ahmedabad district. His victory triggered the exit of Keshubhai Patel and the consequent entry of Narendra Modi. Amin is confident of retaining the seat. He spoke to Sheela Bhatt in Sabarmati:

Which are the issues you are highlighting in your speeches?

In 1998, the BJP government came to power with lots of promises, but they have not fulfilled any. The Gujaratis view the BJP government as apshukaniyal (unlucky). Not a year passed without a tragedy in their rule. In 1998, a tornado wreaked havoc in Veraval and Kutch. In 1999, Saurashtra and north Gujarat were gripped by draught and the government was forced to spend hundreds of crores in relief measures. In 2000, Ahmedabad and Surat witnessed heavy rains. Goods worth crores were destroyed in a day. In 2001, earthquake killed hundreds, ruined the state's economy and made thousands homeless. The government bungled in distribution of aid. From apples to tents, everything was sold in the black market.  Then came communal riots in 2002. People are tired now. They are asking us to kick this government out. The communal trouble has discouraged industrialists from setting up shop in the state. Unemployment is at its peak. People are finding it difficult to fulfil their social obligations. They don't have enough money. There have been several incidents of mass suicides by families unable to pay their debts. I can't think of a single section of the society that is happy with this government. Teachers, workers, traders, government officials everyone is unhappy.

Can you be a little more specific?

The BJP told us it would change Ahmedabad's name to Karnavati. They claimed they would pay Rs 450 as allowance to those who don't have jobs. [Deputy Prime Minister Lal Kishenchand] Advani said in his party's rule Gujaratis would be able to go to Kashmir for honeymoon. In the last two years new ration cards have not been issued. People with BPL [Below Poverty Line] cards used to get kerosene, rice, sugar and wheat under the Congress rule. Now they get only wheat and for that too they pay more than they would pay in the open market. Poor people and widows used to get small loans easily during the Congress rule. BJP is here to just cheat people. My party used to charge Rs 10 for electricity and water connection in slum areas. In middle-class housing societies we offered up to 50 % subsidy for road construction. The BJP has discontinued this policy. The list of BJP's misdeed is too long.

But things changed after February 27, 2002 for the Congress, right?

Sure. I don't deny. Godhra was condemnable. On that day, I stood up in the assembly and proposed a compensation of Rs 200,000 for every Hindu victim's family. [Chief Minister] Narendra Modi has not given enough to the victims. He paid only Rs 100,000. I have written a protest note to him. I agree that Hindus' sentiments were hurt because of Godhra and they reacted and riots occurred. But as time went by, people realised that riots had damaged Gujarat's economy. From economic point of view, Hindus have suffered more. Even today more than 3000 Hindu youths are in jail for rioting. They are not getting bail and the BJP, the VHP or the Bajrang Dal are not there to look after their families. The VHP collected crores of rupees to help these people. But has the money reached the families? We are asking people: What do you want -- peace or curfew?

Are you not worried about the polarisation of the society on communal lines?

Not at all. This was true only for a brief period.

What do you think of these surveys? Do you agree with the scenarios they are projecting?

The findings of these surveys are welcome. They tell us we will add 20 to 25% seats to our tally. Congress will form the next government in Gujarat 100 per cent. In Saurashtra, where we had six seats, we are going to get 35 plus. The tribals are still with us. For reasons which I can't quote now, they had participated in the riots. Those reasons were not communal.

But the image of the Congress has not changed. Why would people give you a positive vote?

Our image has certainly improved. It's been evident in local elections. Out of 25, we are ruling in 21 district bodies. We are back in power in Ahmedabad municipal corporation after a gap of 13 years. We are back in power in Rajkot after a gap of 24 years. Over 70% of panchayats are with the Congress. We also won all by-elections, save Rajkot. Why would we get a positive vote in all these elections if our image had not improved? People are craving for a change. Hindutva has boomeranged on the BJP. More the BJP talks about Miyan Musharraf, Pakistan, terrorism and Kashmir, better it is for the Congress. Expect the most unimaginable result in Gujarat. People are tired of the BJP. The BJP engineered the riots to turn Ahmedabad into Karnavati, but Advani sent the file back. They have not built the Ram temple [in Ayodhya] yet. People want their Jammu and Kashmir tickets refunded because it's still not a place where they can honeymoon.

What will be your reaction if BJP wins again?

Bad luck for Gujaratis. Gujarat will turn into Bihar. Gujarati culture will be destroyed.

Your party does not even have a chief ministerial candidate.

Congress never decides its CM before an election.

It is being said that you have formed an axis within the party with Shankersinh Vaghela and Kamalnath?

Not true. Kamalnath is the first Congress general secretary to have taken such keen interest in Gujarat. He has all the data. He knows all the caste combinations. He calls all leaders directly. He is in constant touch with at least 20 leaders in Gujarat. He is in touch with district-level leaders too.

Is there any change in Sonia Gandhi's image in Gujarat?

She has been accepted in Gujarat. Initially some were worried whether she would be able to deal with the complexities of politics. But that's all history now. Her speech in Baroda was excellent. She is totally involved in this election. Many a times we have discussed things with her directly. She is worried about Patel votes. She accepts the importance of Patel factor [in Gujarat]. The party has given enough tickets to Patels. We are only worried about the BJP's money power and the fact that they have power at the Centre and in the state. Their ministers and most sitting MLAs have been given ticket and that worries us because they are all moneyed people. In my area no one has asked me a question on riots, Godhra or Hindutva. Why don't you join me for a day? I am garlanded 200 times a day. Three times a day I have to wash my forehead because people keep applying tilak.

What about those Gujaratis who harbour anti-Muslim feelings?

That feeling may be there. But has the BJP disconnected their [Muslims'] water connections? They are getting the same water. They have same civic facilities. What have they done to Muslims? Show me. Answer me. We tell people that since Muslims are illiterate they turn to criminal activities to make a living. Hit them, destroy their might. We don't want to protect criminals. We are saying the Congress has always protected Hindus.

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