G Kishan Reddy interview: ‘Most of our LS seats from the south will come from Karnataka … Telangana will also deliver seats in double digits’

Excerpts:

How do you view the Telangana Assembly election result?

Reddy: I got two months as BJP state president and I worked together with my team on coordination, selection, and campaigning. The Congress pumped in a lot of money from Karnataka. Even (former Chief Minister) KCR (K Chandrashekar Rao) put a lot of money earned through corrupt means to fight this election. The BJP was never in power in Telangana. Though the result was not up to our expectations, we were able to double our vote share from 6% to 15%. We went up from one seat to eight seats.

How are you preparing for the Lok Sabha polls in the state?

Reddy: We have earned a lot of new voters this time. In villages, everyone told us: Chhota vote udhar denge, bada vote aapko denge (Small vote will go to them, but the big vote will go to you). By small vote, they mean the Assembly elections, the big vote is for the Lok Sabha polls. This sentiment was visible even in tribal areas. The BRS (Bharat Rashtra Samithi) is irrelevant in the Lok Sabha polls.

What is the BJP’s strategy for southern states in 2024?

Reddy: The Congress came to power in Karnataka on the plank of five guarantees, but they have completely failed the people. If Assembly elections are held in Karnataka right now, the BJP will win with an absolute majority. Most of our seats from the south will come from Karnataka. Telangana will also deliver seats in double digits. The state has a 52% OBC population but never had a CM from the community. Home Minister Amit Shah had said the BJP would have a BC (Backward Class) CM if it came to power. We have started a conversation among people on the topic. We are committed to social justice. We have a tribal CM in Chhattisgarh and a Yadav CM in Madhya Pradesh.

What about Tamil Nadu?

Reddy: The environment in Tamil Nadu is also conducive now. People are fed up with the DMK’s politics. BJP TN president Annamalai’s yatra is garnering a good response. We will go to the people with agricultural issues, the Sanatan Dharma row, the DMK’s corruption, dynastic politics, and the rowdyism of the DMK MLAs.

There have been reports about you quitting as the state party chief.

Reddy: I will not discuss that issue with the media. I will do whatever the party wants me to do. It (my post) may have been a temporary arrangement ahead of the polls.

In the three departments (Tourism, Culture, and Development of North Eastern Region) you handle as Union minister, what do you identify as your achievements?

Reddy: In the Northeast, the law and order situation has improved massively. There is also political and economic stability. Earlier, regional parties in the region would have a tough time, with CMs changing every two years. PM Modi has made 60 trips to the region in the last nine years. We have spent Rs 5 lakh crore since 2014 on the North East’s development.

How do you view the mass expulsion of Opposition members from Parliament?

Reddy: They (the Opposition) don’t have any comprehensive material to corner the Modi government on. That is why they do not let Parliament function. The investigation is on with regard to the security breach. I do not have all the details, but the two people who entered the Lok Sabha chamber carried a canister that is used for birthday parties. A metal detector cannot identify it. Still, it was wrong and shouldn’t have happened. In the coming days, shoes should also be checked.

What about a discussion?

Reddy: They could have discussed the issue instead of calling it a failure and seeking the resignation of Home Minister Amit Shah. You look at the law-and-order situation in the country under his watch. There have been no communal crises, blasts, terror incidents, or curfews. Remember how it was under the UPA government? The Speaker’s decision (to expel them) is appropriate. People have chosen you to talk about their issues and not insult the Speaker and Rajya Sabha chairman.