‘Modi rule has been a series of false promises’

AICC media incharge and Kaithal MLA Randeep Singh Surjewala feels the 2019 election will be a contest between the delivery-oriented Congress and the empty rhetoric of the ruling BJP government. In an interview with The Tribune reporter 

Geetanjali Gayatri, he says that the result of parliamentary elections will have no bearing on the Assembly elections where the Manohar Lal Khattar government will be voted out of power for its divisive ways. Excerpts:  

The 2019 elections will essentially be a contest between two parties and their ideologies. How do you see the Congress’ prospects ? 

The 2019 General Election will be about duplicity versus delivery. The Congress symbolises evolving aspirations of the ordinary Indian and has always delivered by sheer dint of hard work and experience. In 2019, we are for re-innovating governance by a new set of ideas like minimum income guarantee, jobs being the centre point of government, right to healthcare, agricultural reform of connecting farm to plate, compulsory participation of women etc. On the contrary, the BJP ideology is founded upon falsehood, fake propaganda and fear. People will decisively reject the same.  

How will Pulwama and the airstrikes on terror camp in Pakistan impact the 2019 election? 

The Pulwama terror attack was a grave national security and intelligence failure of the Modi government. While our valiant fighters of the Air Force taught the enemy a lesson, Pakistan’s violation of our air space, launching a failed missile attack and shooting down our Mirage fighter were blatant acts of aggression that have not been answered by the PM. The BJP’s track record of governance is dismal and non-performance is PM Narendra Modi’s characteristic style. He hides behind the valour of our forces. 

Will the result of the General Election have an impact on the ensuing Haryana Assembly poll?

The Haryana Assembly elections will test the five years wasted by the Manohar Lal Khattar government, be it the shameful non-performance or the sinister agenda of hate and division that was spread under a design. History is a witness that autocratic behaviour and divisive politics have always been defeated. Khattar will meet the same fate.   

What will be the criteria for ticket distribution?  

Winnability, commitment to the Congress ideology and a vision for development of the constituency will be the determining criteria.  

What will be the Congress strategy and which will be the key issues this election? 

Our track record of delivery of promises and our commitment to the soul of India are the benchmarks of our strategy. Besides the issues of jobs, minimum income guarantee, healthcare, education and agriculture, restoration of democracy as also the integrity of our institutions is imperative for our democracy to sustain.