Won’t campaign against Rahul: Varun Gandhi

With a baby face bearing a striking resemblance to his father Sanjay Gandhi, Varun Gandhi is not so soft as he looks – he rather comes across a sharp and politically astute leader for his age. He let go of Gandhis’ penchant for holding aloft the banner of Congress. He joined BJP and went on to become its national general secretary in no time – he is the youngest politician ever to be elevated to this post in the party. In May 2009, he was elected to the 15th Lok Sabha with a victory margin of nearly 2,93,501 votes. He polled around 4,29,000 votes, the highest margin for a newcomer, and the second highest margin in the House. In a telephonic conversation with Lata Jain, the Gandhi scion speaks his mind on the current scenario.

You surprised everybody by joining BJP. What prompted you to do so?

Historically, my family has been part of the Congress and has led it through its most glorious era. However, I do believe that what my family has been true to is not a party but a value system, a tradition of self-sacrifice, national pride and independence of spirit. I consider joining and strengthening the BJP to be in the nation's best interests and, therefore, decided to do so.

BJP is called a communal party. Your comment

I do not feel so. I met seniors like Atal Behari Vajpayee and Advaniji, they are liberal in their attitude, progressive, and they will give a boost to the younger generation.

You have been exonerated of all charges in the hate speeches you allegedly made in the run-up to the 2009 election. There are talks that you subverted the judicial process to get your name cleared.

Who says this? To tarnish one’s clean image, opposition can speak anything. How can I make so many witnesses hostile?

Will you campaign against your cousin Rahul Gandhi?

I have a positive mindset towards politics and have always believed in certain lines of decency that I would never cross, I will not campaign against Rahul Gandhi in Amethi constituency or any constituency of my family members.

BJP has a particular agenda in poaching Sanjay Gandhi’s son Varun Feroze Gandhi? What is that?

I don’t see any agenda.BJP knows that I am outspoken. They believe am a good orator and popular in the UP. I am also popular among the party workers in Uttar Pradesh, at least more popular than the existing set of state leaders. Desperate for a rich haul in the State in the 2014 parliamentary polls - UP has 80 Lok Sabha seats - the party would like to use my services to full capacity.

Allegations are ripe that it is to break the age-old Nehru-Gandhi family dominance.

There is no truth in this statement.

At 33, you have been made the BJP National General Secretary. Are you not too young for this position in a national party?

The party is looking at young blood. They want more and more youth to join the party and I represent the younger generation.

But why only Varun Gandhi, there are many more belonging to your age? Moreover there are many seniors and experienced people in the party.

I won the Pilibhit seat in 2009 with a margin of 2.8 lakhs. I was the youngest in parliament at that time. BJP leaders feel I have the maturity to handle issues; age is a state of mind. You are reading meanings in the name , party is judging me by my performance.

Party has high expectations from UP, how is the campaign there?

I have campaigned in UP for more than 10years. Congress and SP have lost their face. The plot has failed. It is a thumping victory for BJP.

Which party will be the main adversary/ rival in UP to BJP?

It is likely to be BSP. In some parts of western UP, they have a strong foothold. Nonetheless, we will win with a

majority.

You are likely to have a tough battle with BSP candidate Pawan Pandey and Amith Sinh from Congress

Yes, but my performance in other constituencies will have its impact. My focus is against identity and caste politics. The good work my father has done in this area will speak for itself.

What about Aonla and Pilibhit constituencies, your mother Menaka Gandhi’s and yours respectively?

The people in these constituencies have my mobile number and they take the liberty of calling me on my number. I and my mother will visit the place and look into the welfare of people. We are in the hearts of people and will continue to maintain the same relations.

There seems a marked change in you, in contrast to the fiery Varun Gandhi of 2009. Have you mellowed down?

I think the truth of the matter is that I think when you go through a lot in life – both good and bad – it tends to expand and you have a matured approach to issues.

So, you meant you were not matured in 2009 to handle issues and made inflammatory speeches?

No, I did not mean so. Politics is like a craft like any other craft and one can’t master it overnight and you have got to learn the ropes, and I am learning them slowly and perfectly.

What are your wishes for your cousin Rahul Gandhi in this election?

I will convey it to him directly.