Send a Strong Message on Kashmir : Bitta
A close confident of former PM PV Narasimha Rao, Maninderjeet Singh Bitta, in an exclusive interview to KG Suresh, condemns the UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, her Political Secretary Ahmed Patel, Digvijay Singh and others while praising the RSS, BJP and Narendra Modi for their patriotic and secular credentials. Excerpts:
- How do you look at the country’s current political scenario?
Our forefathers, forced to live as slaves during the British Raj, sacrificed their lives for our country (people died in Jallianwala Bagh), but, for the last 10 years, the country has been witnessing political terrorism. After May 16, this political terrorism would come to an end.
- Do you feel there was a Modi wave in the country?
As Youth Congress President, I have held several rallies across the country. And have seen how people bring crowds in large numbers for their selfish motive. But if we look at Modi’s rallies with the same angle and reject the popular mood in the country, the people will not forgive us and will call us liars. People are coming on their own in such large numbers for the first time in post-independent India. Even during Indira Gandhi’s time, the crowds were not so big.
- If so, what do you think has contributed to this – development or communalism, as alleged by Modi’s critics?
Truth is being distorted when this is being attributed to communalism. Digvijay Singh has made unwarranted attacks on RSS, which is a patriotic and secular organisation, accusing it of ‘Saffron terrorism’ and they will have to pay a heavy price for this.
- Do you think Modi poses a threat to secularism as is being alleged by the Opposition?
For 11 years now, there has not been single riot in Gujarat. They are all creating uproar to keep him out. But every one of us will have to be alert as after elections, all these forces including the ISI that will make attempts to vitiate the atmosphere.
- Do you think BJP under Modi’s leadership would have a strong policy on the issue of terrorism and Pakistan?
I feel if Modi comes to power and Pakistan decapitates our soldiers, they may have to pay a price. We will also have to send a strong message that Kashmir is ours and will remains ours always. If need be, we should be ready to press Pakistan’s real jugular veins.
- What is your relationship with BJP?
BJP has supported my activities against terrorism whereas my own party has not been supportive. I am grateful to BJP for that.
