‘New India’ with more jobs, growth promised
abu dhabi — Indian National Congress president Rahul Gandhi vowed to transform the country’s economic, political and social structure. He was in Abu Dhabi to attend an event ‘The Idea of India’ organised by the Indian Business and Professional Group where he said the Congress party, if elected to power, will tackle issues of unemployment, build basic structure of education and healthcare, and revive agriculture sector.
To create new jobs, Rahul said, there was a need to support the small and medium enterprises with access to financial resources of the banking system. “We need to end the monopolisation of the banking system to crack the problem of unemployment.”
Talking about factors that ail the country, Rahul said two key decisions of the Narendra Modi government — demonetisation and goods and service tax (GST) — had derailed the economy and adversely affected lives of common man. “There was no logic in demonetisation and it resulted in the loss of millions of jobs. But there is not much we can do about that now. And, GST in its current form isn’t acceptable. The concept was ‘one nation, one tax’ but today we have five taxes. We can restructure GST and make it much simpler. We are pretty confident that we will move towards one tax.”
He blasted the present crony capitalism and pointed out Rafale deal as the best example. “People in the defence ministry have clearly stated there is no logic in giving the contract to Anil Ambani,” said Rahul. He added that there was a need to make space for larger group of businesses to economic and political
system. Rahul said he liked Narendra Modi’s ‘Make in India’ concept but said he will follow a different route with focus on small and medium businesses.
‘It’s not easy to push me’
Rahul said he is a far capable person than when he started. He is ready to challenge pre-conceived ideas and bring change. “I have been in politics for 15 years. I do have good knowledge of how the political system works. I have fought many political battles. I am pretty tough and it’s not easy to push me around. I have learnt from my experience. There is also a huge advantage of being someone who comes in as fresh.”
He said he wants to transform the way things are done in India. “We are on trajectory of being a super power, we have everything that is required and then we are fighting among each other. In the 21st century India, it’s ridiculous to beat up people because of the state they come from or religion they follow. We need to bring our country together and show everybody what we are capable of.
“We are moving into a world where the US and China are big players. India, if it plays smartly, has the potential to go ahead of these countries. It’s not going to be simple.”
On his personal battles with the prime minister, he said: “I never use bad language against the prime minister. But that can’t be said the other way. He tends to use pretty bad language. It’s okay he has every right to do it.”
Rahul noted that the upcoming elections were very crucial. “There is an assault on Indian institutions. I believe India’s success has been based on the independence of judiciary, members of parliament and decentralisation of power. It is very dangerous for India to continue in the path it is now. Imposing the will of one person on all the people will not work. I am hopeful in 2019 you will see another formation and we will start to release pressure on institutions.”
When will he get married?
Rahul said Modi wasn’t an inspiration to stay ‘single’ but he was occupied by the Congress party work. “I am an Indian and do believe in destiny. So it will happen, when it has to happen.”
PM Modi is his teacher!
“There is a dedicated system designed to do that. It is run by the BJP and run out of Gujarat. Frankly, the truth always wins at the end. You can’t keep telling lies forever. All these attacks on me counter-intuitive have helped. The BJP and Modi’s attack have taught me a lot. In some way he is my teacher,” said Rahul.
Is he the next PM?
“This is choice of the people of India. Who am I to make such an arrogant statement? This is to be decided by the people of India. It’s my job to see there’s a second narrative that develops in India. I just believe in doing my job.”
GST in its current form isn’t acceptable. The concept was ‘one nation, one tax’ but today we have five taxes. We can restructure GST and make it much simpler.”
All these attacks on me counterintuitive have helped. The BJP and Modi’s attack have taught me a lot. In some way he is my teacher.”
Rahul Gandhi, Congress leader