Ramesh Chennithala interview: ‘Wadettiwar’s statement on 26/11 was in his personal capacity… not party’s position’

Wadettiwar made the statement based on a book written by former police officer named Mushrif. This book has been in circulation for last 10 years. However, we want to assert that the statement made by him is his personal opinion and party does not endorse his views at all. This is not Congress party’s position. On the contrary, it was the Congress government in power then which probed every possible angle behind this terrorist attack and ensured hanging of Ajmal Kasab.

Will Congress face trouble over this as BJP has complained against the party to the election commission of India?

BJP has no agenda to counter us. They are dependent on the divisive politics and the communal card by putting one community against the other. We knew that the BJP will bring in communal card in the campaign, but we will not deviate from our agenda of development and extending guarantees under the Nyay Patra.

What are the party’s chances nationally and in Maharashtra?

We are forming the government on June 4. Things are in favour of us and every Congress worker should realise that. Especially in Maharashtra, the MVA is in very good position. Every Congress worker should forget differences, stay alert and come together to give a befitting reply to state and central governments. It is time to deliver a final blow to this government which is on its way out.

Is Congress suffering from factionalism?

Individuals bound to have different opinions but when it comes to contesting the election as a party, every leader stands together. I have addressed problems, issues of each and every leader and have sorted all of them. The leaders are fighting this election as an unit and we will win it. For example, we addressed the concerns raised by Naseem Khan at the seniormost level of party president Mallikarjun Kharge. Even Rahul Gandhi met him. Now, he has withdrawn his resignation and has started campaigning for the party.

Does that mean the voter which had ditched Congress in 2014 and 2019 is returning?

Yes. The traditional Congress voter is returning. Because the voter is disillusioned after seeing the 10 year rule of (Prime Minister) Narendra Modi. Be it farmers, workers, traders, youth or general public. This government is unsuccessful on every front. Every section, including Dalits, have realised that the Constitution is going to be changed. We can sense in our ground visits that Congress voter is coming back to us in this election. I can see the change happening on ground.

A number of leaders quit Congress since you took charge of the party. Why didn’t you manage to stop them?

Not a single leader has quit the Congress over ideological differences. They have left for personal gains and self-interest. How can one stop them? For example, Murli Deora’s son Milind joining Eknath Shinde’s party has nothing to do with ideology. These people have joined for purely personal benefits like Rajya Sabha seat.

Is there a possibility of you accepting them back in your party?

These people will approach us after we form our government. I am not saying whether we will accept them or not. I am saying, they will approach us and we will see what can be done then.

Do you think Prakash Ambedkar will cause damage by dividing anti-government votes?

We tried our level best to bring him in. Unfortunately he did not come. He is helping them (the BJP-led alliance). They have become a vote cutter party. But this time, it will not harm us to the extent of losing elections. This time we will win majority of seats in Maharashtra.