Madhya Pradesh CM interview: ‘PM Modi has done nothing but uphold basic structure of Constitution … Congress killed its soul’

Q) The Lok Sabha elections in MP are coming to an end in Madhya Pradesh. How confident are you of winning all 29 seats?

The BJP motto is pran jaye par vachan na jaye (life may end but a promise should not be broken). That is why people believe the Modi guarantees are cast in stone. From Ram Mandir to Article 370, the Prime Minister has delivered on every promise. We have a progressive track record in the state. We are definitely going to win all 29 seats.

Q) The state has seen a large exodus of Congress leaders. Why induct leaders from the Opposition if you are confident of victory?

Congress workers have slowly realised that their party is working not for the development of the country but for the development of one family. It is nothing but sheer nepotism. On the other side, the BJP is giving opportunity to every party worker irrespective of their family and political background.

(Former CM) Kamal Nath and (state Congress president) Jitu Patwari’s recent comments on (former state minister) Imarti Devi show the values they hold. Demeaning women is all they are capable of … Congress workers have finally understood that the party holds no vision and values. So now nobody wants to stay in a party that cannot represent the needs and aspirations of its workers in the first place. If they think that the BJP can give them this opportunity, we are happy to welcome them with open arms.

Q) The Congress is alleging that the BJP slogan of ‘400 paar’ means the ruling party wants to change the Constitution.

The funny thing is that such statements are coming from a party that has only disrespected the Constitution throughout its tenure. The Congress killed the soul of the Constitution when Indira Gandhi imposed Emergency to retain political power … Congress leaders who did not even visit the Ram temple to seek blessings are talking about the Constitution, They have lost their moral ground … PM Modi for the past 10 years has done nothing but uphold the basic structure of the Constitution.

Q) What is your take on wealth redistribution and the inheritance tax?

The Congress has hatched a conspiracy to snatch the wealth of people to distribute it among infiltrators and that is why they are opposing the Citizenship Amendment Act and talking about wealth redistribution. This is nothing but another scam.

Q) The BJP has alleged that the Congress in power will give Muslims reservation from the OBC share …

It is essential to rely on facts rather than rumours or allegations. The Congress has done nothing but speak lies and cheat the country. PM Modi in the last 10 years did not end reservation and has worked harder than anyone to ensure social justice and equal opportunities for the historically marginalised communities. The existing reservation system is based on social and economic criteria, not religious identity.

Q) The party tasked you with touring UP and Bihar in the past few months to reach out to Yadav voters. Do you see yourself as a Yadav face in the state?

The party does not see caste, lineage or tradition. I am a labourer’s son. It is only the BJP that can give a chance to any party worker. Hailing from the Yadav community, if I can tell the countrymen that people of every community are getting equal opportunities in this country, then what is wrong with that? Our country is known for its diversity.

Q) Did the party’s decision to replace Shivraj Singh Chouhan with you come as a surprise?

When my name was announced at the legislature party meeting, I did not trust my ears but the ethos of our is unique as it gives equal chance to every worker. My party works like a family. Shivraj Singh Chouhan still guides me.

Q) The state government has Rs 4-lakh-crore debt. How will you deal with this burden as the government also has to implement the Ladli Behana Yojana?

The loan being taken by the state government at low interest rates is promoting capital work in the state. Capital expenditure increases the productive capacity of the economy and generates future income and employment. And as we all know capital expenditure has a multiplier effect. You will surely see its positive impact in the near future. Our economic fundamentals are extremely strong. Madhya Pradesh has never defaulted on loan repayment.