Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has firmly rebutted the Opposition’s accusations regarding “vote chori,” emphasising that such claims often arise when political parties lose elections. In an exclusive interview, Scindia, once affiliated with Rahul Gandhi, pointed to the Congress’s successes in Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh to illustrate the inconsistency in its complaints about the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. He stated, “When you win Karnataka, there is no SIR and no vote chori. When you win Himachal, there is no SIR and no vote chori. But when you lose, there is vote chori and SIR.”

Scindia defended the concept of SIR, arguing that revisions of electoral rolls are not a novel practice and have occurred throughout past decades, including during periods of Congress governance. He questioned whether citizens should not have the right to ensure their voting rights are supported by accurate electoral rolls. “Shouldn’t the people of the country have the right that their ballot and their voting rights in a democracy are based on purification of the electoral rolls?” he posited. According to Scindia, modifications to voter lists have included both the removal and addition of names in earlier revisions, asserting that the process ought to be seen as an effort to maintain precise voter lists.

Critique of Opposition’s Priorities

Scindia further rebutted the actions of Opposition leaders, accusing them of placing personal political ambitions above national interests. When questioned about whether these leaders prioritise their “kursi” (chair) over national welfare, he affirmed, “I absolutely feel so.” He contended that national interest should take precedence, stating that political leaders should remember that their positions are not the primary concern.

The minister acknowledged the rightful role of the Opposition in challenging governmental decisions but reiterated the importance of maintaining a constructive process in political disagreements. He asserted that while differences are inevitable, they should not lead to divisiveness. Additionally, Scindia expressed concern over the Opposition’s tendency to criticise India while overseas, questioning if this behaviour contributes positively to the nation-building process.

Scindia Discusses Modi’s Leadership Qualities

Shifting his focus to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s extensive public life, Scindia praised Modi’s exceptional ability to engage with individuals. He noted that Modi’s keen attention to detail and genuine focus on the present moment are qualities that have particularly impressed him. Scindia described Modi’s capacity to give undivided attention during conversations as a rare trait in today’s fast-paced environment, where distractions abound.

Scindia recounted an interaction Modi had with the GSMA board, which consists of prominent telecom operators. He highlighted Modi’s ability to discuss the future trajectory of the telecom sector without relying on prepared notes, showcasing his in-depth knowledge and instinctive grasp of the subject. “For the Prime Minister to have that domain experience and the ability to be able to roll out what the future portends for that sector… I was taken aback,” Scindia mentioned.

Expounding on Modi’s governance style, Scindia remarked that Modi does not merely seek outcomes; he values the processes that lead to them. He explained that Modi’s satisfaction arises not just from achieving results but also from ensuring that the appropriate methods are employed. “Just getting the outcome but not following the right process, he is not satisfied with that. And following the right process but not getting the outcome, he is not satisfied with that either,” Scindia elaborated.

Scindia on National Growth and Development

Scindia articulated Modi’s vision of making India “best in class” and “world-class,” referencing advancements in infrastructure, including roads, railways, and connectivity. Statistics shared by Scindia indicated that the number of broadband users in India surged from approximately 60 million a decade ago to over a billion, with 5G now reaching 99 per cent of districts and 86 per cent of the population. He also pointed out the government’s efforts to enhance national highways and airport connectivity.

Highlighting the Modi government’s infrastructure initiatives, Scindia mentioned the forthcoming introduction of bullet trains in India, which would complement existing services like the Shatabdi Express and Vande Bharat trains. He stated that the intent behind these efforts is not only to achieve excellence but to position India at a global standard.

Focusing on his role as Union Minister for Development of the Northeast Region, Scindia discussed changes to the government’s approach towards this area. He asserted that the Northeast is being developed as a critical gateway to Southeast Asia under the “Act East” policy, with significant GDP growth noted in the region. He expressed optimism about its potential to contribute significantly to India’s overall growth story.

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