New Delhi, June 25 (IANS) Congress leader and senior advocate Salman Khurshid on Thursday stated that amidst the current political scenario in the currently, forging alliances seem to be the “only viable path” to stop the BJP’s consequent electoral victories.
In an exclusive conversation with IANS, Khurshid spoke about the INDIA bloc, the alleged donation theft at the Ayodhya Ram temple and also gave his forecast of the post 2029 landscape in the country.
Excerpts from the interview:
IANS: There are reports of regional parties like the Trinamool Congress merging with the Congress?
Salman Khurshid: Why should we say today that our doors are closed? We are focused on strengthening the organisation, working together, and building cooperation among like-minded parties. At present, our attention is on the INDIA bloc. We are trying to work collectively and strengthen that platform. What possibilities may emerge after that can be examined when the situation arises.
IANS: There are discussions over a possible Congress–Samajwadi Party alliance in Uttar Pradesh?
Khurshid: In the current political situation, alliances appear to be the only viable path. Through such alliances, we can effectively oppose what we believe are the BJP’s policies to damage society. But this decision will be taken by the leadership of both parties.
But yes, any sane person will say that we cannot move ahead without this alliance, at least under the present circumstances in the country.
We have seen alliances being formed in different places, and where they could not be formed, there have been setbacks. The broader framework for such cooperation already exists in the form of the INDIA bloc. It is our responsibility to take the INDIA bloc from a concept to the grassroots level. How that will be achieved is for our leaders to decide.
IANS: Do you think that LoP Rahul Gandhi should lead the INDIA bloc?
Khurshid: The question of who should lead the INDIA bloc should be decided on the basis of the political realities on the ground. Today, Rahul Gandhi has the backing of governments in four states, and in a few other places, alliance governments are also in place. If any other leader or party has comparable strength and capacity, that will also be taken into account.
The leaders of the INDIA bloc will collectively discuss and decide the matter among themselves. It would not be appropriate for parties to impose conditions or insist that their own leader must head the alliance. All the alliance leaders are working together, and they will take a decision based on the ground reality.
IANS: BJP has often accused Rahul Gandhi of making frequent foreign visits. What do you say?
Khurshid: Rahul Gandhi is not just a leader of our country alone, but many people across the world consider him a leader. They want to meet and listen to him. Because of these repeated invitations and expectations, he is only able to take out very limited time, two days, four days, five days and travels accordingly.
But one should also understand that not everyone in the world is aligned with the BJP. People see India from different perspectives, and in that perspective, they also see Rahul Gandhi.
IANS: What is your take on the proposed Delimitation Bill?
Khurshid: Delimitation is an issue for every citizen who wants to ensure that the value of their vote is not reduced in comparison to someone else’s vote. The objective of the exercise should be to ensure fair representation for people living together in a particular area. Communities should not be fragmented and scattered in a way that diminishes the value of their vote. No matter which community a person belongs to, the importance of their vote should not be reduced.
IANS: Samajwadi Party MP Afzal Ansari said that Muslims are safer in India than in any other country. Your view?
Khurshid: I believe that not only Muslims, but every individual deserves security. Muslims should not think only about themselves. The Muslim community has made significant sacrifices for this country, and if further sacrifices are required in the national interest, we should be prepared for them, but first, humanity should be strengthened and safeguarded.
If we have grievances, we will express them. Similarly, we will express our satisfaction and also share our hopes, aspirations, and dreams.
It was the decision of our ancestors to be a part of this nation’s tricolour, and we will keep respecting that decision.
IANS: There are allegations of crores of rupees missing from the offerings made at Ayodhya’s Ram Temple.
Khurshid: If such an incident has occurred, the normal course in this country is that an FIR is registered. A serious question arises as to why an SIT (Special Investigation Team) has been announced without first registering an FIR.
Many people who are associated with the BJP and have been connected with the Ram Mandir movement are also raising questions today. They are questioning what kind of faith in Lord Ram this represents.
They are also asking: was all this done so that people could engage in loot? Was it done so that the offerings made in the name of Lord Ram would end up in someone’s pocket?
IANS: How do you forecast the post 2029 situation in India?
Khurshid: I want to see an India that commands the same respect across the world as it once did during the times of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Indira Gandhi. That is the India I wish to see.
Unfortunately, I do not see that India today. I regret that.
India had a powerful presence in the world order, even when it was lacking in terms of finances, industries and when we did not consider ourselves as ‘Vishwaguru’. I will be satisfied if those days are brought back.
–IANS
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