‘Congress a better platform... in tune with idea of India’
NEW DELHI: An independent legislator from Gujarat and a Dalit leader, Jignesh Mevani, is expected to join the Congress soon. Mevani spoke to Sunetra Choudhury about why it is the right platform for him even as the party has faced a series of defections. Edited excerpts:
What is it about the Congress that has drawn you when many have left the party?
Whatever we’ve witnessed, as a nation, as a society, in the last 6-7 years, is nothing but the destruction of democracy. [There has been an] attack on our social fabric, our idea of India, and the Indian Constitution. The way RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) and BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) have been operating, there is every chance that they will amend the Constitution and keep destroying our democratic institutions... I feel that my duty is to do everything that I can to protect the Constitution and our idea of India. For that, I need a platform. What better platform, than a platform with the legacy of the Indian freedom movement, which is in tune with our idea of India, and which celebrates the Constitution. I believe that Rahul Gandhi is a man who never compromises with the RSS and BJP, and therefore I’m joining Indian National Congress.
But isn’t what Kapil Sibal and other Congress leaders have been saying bothering you?
Internal contradictions will be there in all the political parties. My duty as a beginner is to bring more people on board rather than being concerned about the ones leaving. Kanhaiya Kumar (who joined the party recently) and I will be reaching out to thousands and thousands of young people in every state. And I’m really optimistic and hopeful that seeing Hardik (Patel), Kanhaiya, and me, many people will join...
Gujarat has seen much political activity of late. The BJP’S assessment is that by changing the entire cabinet, they are getting rid of anti-incumbency. What is your assessment?
Their move of changing their entire cabinet, in a way, is an admission on their part that there is tremendous anti-incumbency. This anti-incumbency has two dimensions: anti-incumbency of last 27 years, and one generated out of the monumental mismanagement of the Covid crisis. So, there is a great chance for the Opposition, there is a great chance for Congress...
Would you say that your attempt is going to be to renew the KHAM (Kshatriya, Harijan, Adivasi and Muslim) alliance that Congress had in Gujarat?
We will be talking about inflation, unemployment, public health, education, and the fruits of the Gujarat Model that have not reached most people. I want to talk about the revival of the small and medium scale industries, how the entrepreneurs can be supported and promoted. I want to talk about providing resources to Dalits and tribals, how those who have suffered due to GST and notebandi (demonetisation)... So, culturally progressive, socially just, and economically prosperous Gujarat is my vision.