MANDATE 2012: PUNJAB

“I have got a blueprint to tackle State’s problems” 

The SAD-BJP combine made history by winning the Assembly polls beating the anti-incumbency sentiment that prevailed in the state. Now, Parkash Singh Badal is all set to be sworn in for a historic fifth term as Chief Minister. In a exclusive interview he spoke on the reasons for the victory and his plans for the state. 

What are the factors that resulted in this historic win for your party in Punjab?

This time there was nothing anybody could say against us because our agenda was mainly on two things. One is complete communal harmony and peace and the other is development in the State. Everybody knows that communal harmony in Punjab is excellent. Besides, every sector has seen development. I told everybody to see our records, what we have done; we do not simply give statements. To meet the shortage of power, the thermal plants are moving ahead with great speed. We are spending money on health, education and roads and everybody saw the development. They believe that what we are doing is right.

What was your strategy to win the elections?

I have no hunger to be the CM. It is the party's decision as I was not even keen to contest the elections. Because I have seen so much in my life, so I thought now I should give a chance to someone else...The party is my priority — whatever it wants I will do.

Well we focussed on the role of Congress and the misrule of Congress in the country, where India is not safe from external aggression or internal law and order problems. What the Congress has done to remove poverty. Also, I am in politics since the last 60 years, I know the pulse of the people. One thing is there that they believe me that what I say, I stick to that. And secondly, people know my life, my struggle. I have great regard for Sardar Amarinder Singh. I am not in favour of vendetta politics and blame game or like that. But people do not like that a leader’s personal life to be in such a bad way.

Did the split in your family have any impact?

Everybody said Badal is facing a great challenge from his brothers. I have great respect for my two brothers. But see the results — Gurdas forfeited his security. And the other lost by a big margin.

Sonia Gandhi says it was the Manpreet factor that was responsible for the loss of the Congress…

No, I don’t agree. They are saying it just to blame somebody rather than themselves — they lost because of the Congress policies. The very day Manpreet announced his decision to break away, I told him he was committing a Himalayan political blunder and suicide.

What was the role Sukhbir played in winning the elections?

His performance was exceptional. Now the elections are different. Now we talk of election planning and management. It is more important than giving speeches. Sukhbir worked so hard in planning and management.

We will focus on all-round development...you can say infrastructure development, power, roads, education and health. In cities people need sewerage, water supply, roads, electricity and other facilities and in rural areas there are separate problems.

His critics say it was money power that worked?

That’s propaganda. The Congress spent more money than we did. But, it didn’t work for them.

In Uttar Pradesh, Akhilesh Yadav is to be the Chief Minister. Why doesn’t your party make Sukhbir the Chief Minister?

It is the party that has decided to make me the CM. Actually, I have no hunger to be the CM. It is the party's decision as I was not even keen to fight the elections. Because I have seen so much in my life, so I thought now I should give a chance to someone else. But both the parties, the SAD and BJP, with full force said that we want to fight this election under your leadership. The party is my priority — whatever it wants I will do.

This is going to be your fifth term as Chief Minister — no one has done that before in Punjab — would you want to stay your full term?

One is not sure of the next day… So it is God’s will. I always depend on almighty God. I do not want to comment on this. I am always loyal to the party.

What kind of look would you like your cabinet to have?

I would give the best look for the cabinet. I have two criteria for choosing. I always go on merit and for those who can deliver.

What would be the focus in your fifth term?

All-round development in every field. I know the problems that Punjab is facing. The only thing is that the Centre is not cooperating with us. Keeping in view the fact that Punjab is a border state, they should have helped us. (But) They are not giving us justice. As for our industries, it is not really our fault; in other states like J&K, Himachal they have given so many concessions that we could not keep our industries here.

What would be the new things you want to do in your new term?

One is general development, you can say infrastructure development, power, roads, education and health...in cities people need sewerage, water supply, roads, electricity and other facilities and in rural areas there are separate problems. I have got a blueprint to solve the problems of the State.

Do you see the rise of the third front and the possibility of a mid-term poll coming and any possibility of the Congress not completing the full term at the Centre?

The present day scenario has made things difficult for the Congress. Its leaders are demoralised, frustrated; they are not sure to get the help of their colleagues. Whether they will be able to manage these things or not it is something that remains to be seen.

I think it is the beginning of the end for the UPA. It had depended on Rahul Gandhi but he has failed miserably in UP. What next? Whenever the Congress faces defeat, its leaders always fight with each other.

Would you push for a third front?

Whatever the BJP wants, we will do. I do not want to change horses now. We would see the return of the regional parties. The main reason is because despite having a federal system, the Central government has usurped power and made it a unitary form (of government). We want independence — but not to make an independent country. We want independence in terms of planning and expenditure. The Centre dictates from Delhi — do this or we will remove your grant or take away your money. They should give priority to the states.

Do you think this is the beginning of the end for the UPA?

I think so. It had depended on Rahul Gandhi but he has failed miserably in Uttar Pradesh. What next? Whenever the Congress faces defeat, its leaders always fight with each other. 

Courtesy: Tribune