Action against Raj Thackeray soon: Jaiswal

Prakash Jaiswal talks at length with Devika Chhibber of Zeenews.com on several subjects ranging from diplomatic ties in politics to MNS’ gimmicks.

With overwhelming success in the recently concluded Assembly elections and by-polls, the Congress has proved its mettle and its leaders can be given credit for the laudable success. Of the several behind the scene faces responsible for the good show are some old work horses like the MP from Kanpur, Shri Prakash Jaiswal.He donned the cap of the Union Minister of State for Home in the last regime. This time, he has been assigned three ministries- Minister of State (Independent charge), Coal, Statistics and Programme Implementation. Talking at length with Devika Chhibber of Zeenews.com, he opines on several subjects ranging from diplomatic relations in politics to MNS’ gimmicks and infrastructural development in the Coal & Mining sector.

Excerpts: Tell us something about your political journey. My political life began in 1982 when I was selected for the post of Secretary, Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee. Later on I became the Mayor of Kanpur city and continued from 1989-92, was also the President of the City Congress Committee in 1993. I was elected to the 13th Lok Sabha in 1999 and was re-elected in 2004. It is the love of the people that this time again I was able to create a niche for myself in the 2009 Lok Sabha elections. I am content and satisfied with whatever work I have been assigned. It is an honour to work under Sonia Gandhi. She is very important for the proper working of Congress and I, just like others, have complete faith in her judgements. Earlier you were a Union Minister, now you have the Independent charge. How do your perceive your profile? Earlier I was the Home Minister for State, but I personally believe that my status was limited to being a spokesperson of the Congress party. I had no power to take effective decisions. Now I have three ministries, where I am independent to analyse the developmental work and judge accordingly. So, I feel honoured that my calibre and hard work has been finally recognised. As an ex-Home Minister how would you scrutinize the internal security policies of the government? Government policies of any country run on diplomacy and as far as India is concerned, the democratic process tends to slow down things a bit so the idea does become questionable sometimes. However, the party high-command and those subordinate, know what is best for the country. We have been elected back to power for worthy reasons. It is only 6 months now and I think the Congress must be given some more time to put things in order.About 26/11…besides talking about taking action vis-à-vis Pak, nothing concrete has been done by the Govt. There is more to the issue than just dialogue delivery. We are a democracy and we respect other nations. Nobody can contemplate the situation of war. We cannot attack any country nor can we be seen to be acting like a moron. We have to do what is in the best interest of all. Political activities do take time, but the effect will be promising. India is trying to nab those who were responsible for the bloodshed and sooner or later they will be prosecuted. Speaking of the recent Assembly Polls, Congress did quite well in Maharshtra and Arunachal, but Haryana was a grey area. Why? I would say that the Haryana government lacked the strategy required to win hands-down. Elections are no child’s play. The ticket distribution was not effective which gave way to dissatisfaction and thus a lack of unity among party members. Hence the outcome was divided and disappointing for the party. Evidently (despite Abu Azmi`s thrashing & MNS’ attacks on Biharis) Congress has been lenient towards MNS. Are they using the MNS as a tool to take on the BJP and Shiv Sena in Maharashtra? No, Congress has no competition from BJP and Shiv Sena in Maharashtra. As far as Raj Thackeray is concerned, we were just waiting for the elections to get over because taking any stern action against him during polls would have added to his sympathy and we do not want that. Raj Thackeray needs to curb his activities otherwise he will be in grave trouble. This recent incident is seriously worrisome and the Congress will deal with it tacitly, yet resolutely. Congress performed brilliantly in 2009 Lok Sabha polls but BSP still has its roots firm in UP. What would be the strategy for the upcoming Assembly elections? UP Assembly elections took place two years back while the Lok Sabha elections just got over. So, I think we have already proven ourselves. The margin between seats won was huge last time but the Congress is resolutely working towards its objective of giving a crime free government to the masses. Our motto is to ensure development and progress of the society on socio, political, cultural and economic fronts. So may the best party win! Don’t you think Indian politics is gradually transforming into dynasty politics? Would you say the same thing about the son of a doctor or an engineer who becomes what his father is? Similarly, if the child of a politician feels that he/she can carry forward the legacy, then what is wrong in that? They belong to a background where they have knowledge about the inner goings-on of the political sphere. Even I followed my father’s footsteps. It is just about how much interested you are in the field. But yes, I am not in favour of compelling anybody against their wishes. If the kid wants to enter politics, it’s fine otherwise not. You are in-charge of Coal Ministry. What steps are you taking to tear-down the mafia that is associated with the coal industry in various states? CBI has been permitted to conduct raids in mafia-prone areas and they have conducted three raids already. The basic inconvenience is that all coal mines fall in the Naxal-hit zones, which barricade and hamper the government’s work. We are also looking forward to the rehabilitation process as many may lose their homes in the due process of mining etc. Several public interest schemes have been launched in this regard. You are an MP from Kanpur. What steps have you taken for the sullied state of the city and its factories? Today, the leather industries are flourishing in Kanpur and it is the biggest market of hosiery products in India. Speaking of infrastructure and development, I have tried my best to keep a tab on the law and order situation. As an MP, the maximum I can do is to get the projects passed. Now whether the state government is serious about the construction activities or not, does not come under the area of my influence.