Maharashtra will make up for Andhra Pradesh loss: Prithviraj Chavan

Corruption charges against the UPA government, whether true or not, have sullied the image of the government. Do you think that the initial government response of complete denial is responsible for this situation?
Allegations of corruption can be made only against the ruling parties. Most of these allegations have emerged from the information got using Right to Information Act, which was enacted by the Congress knowing fully that it would be used against the government. It is true that the immediate response of the government was complete denial. But as more information started trickling in, the Congress did take action against the accused. I hope the people understand the fact that the Congress took a stand even on the perception (of corruption) and powerful people were sent to jail, which has not happened in the past.

Andhra Pradesh was a clean sweep for the Congress in 2009 and helped the party to come to power. Did the UPA mishandle the Telangana issue, which could cost it dearly in Andhra Pradesh?
In hindsight it can be said that the issue was not handled properly. But it was an electoral promise. When the Congress added the creation of Telangana in its election manifesto, it had thought about all the aspects including electoral benefits. Though I cannot talk about the existing situation in AP with certainty, my guess is that there is anger in Seemandhra over the creation of Telangana. The Congress’ seats share in AP will drop because of that, but there will not be a complete wipe out.

And what about Maharashtra where you are leading the Congress’ campaign?.
From the ground reports that I have received, the Congress-NCP combine is going to win more seats in 2014 than its tally of 25 seats in 2009.

Have the allegations of corruption, especially Coalgate scam dented PM Manmohan Singh’s image?
Unfortunately, he was at the helm of the coal ministry when the decisions that are being questioned were taken. The opposition has tried to paint everybody black. Their propaganda seems to have worked and the damage to the PM’s image might have happened. But he played no direct role in any of those decisions. I have worked closely with him and it is unthinkable that he can be even suspected for any corruption.

Now it is clear that the Congress is contesting this election under Rahul Gandhi’s leadership. If the party does very badly, how will it impact Mr Gandhi as a leader in the future?
Election results will have no impact on Rahulji. He has put a system in place to nurture leadership from the Youth Congress. This time we have given Lok Sabha tickets to two Youth Congress leaders. In future, the youth wing will supply more leaders and the Congress will reap benefits of Rahulji’s vision.

Mr Gandhi has been talking about women empowerment, but very few women have got Congress tickets. He spoke about fight against the corruption, but had to share a dais with Ashok Chavan. Does this mean that he cannot implement his ideas because of the electoral compulsions and lack of support from established party leaders?
It is true that established people always abhor any change. Some things need to be done during the elections even though you may not agree with it. But Rahulji is going about implementing his ideas methodically. He has started implementing changes at the grassroot level and he will achieve his objectives ultimately.

What is your assessment of Narendra Modi?
I have formed definite views about him. He is extremely ambitious, dictatorial and least bothered about conventions. He is bulldozing the process. He has humiliated even senior BJP leaders ruthlessly. He has not articulated his views on major policy issues such as Article 376, common civil code, Ram Mandir etc. We do not know his stand on economic, agricultural and environmental policies. He only accuses and abuses his opponents and uses one-liners to make fun of them.

Do you want to go back to Delhi?
I have been given an important responsibility. Maharashtra will be my priority. I want to make Maharashtra a place where people will love to live, set up businesses and work. I want to ensure that Maharashtra remains the number one state in the country.