This is not the first time I’ve made promises to the people of Punjab, and not the first time I will keep them in letter and in spirit. The people of the state will vouch for the fact that if I’ve ever made a promise I’ve kept it. So there is no question of not delivering on my promises. The promises I have made relate to serious issues, be it the farmers’ debts, tens of thousands of youths’ lives destroyed due to drugs, or the plight of the Dalits, or the SYL issue. So how can I even think of not delivering on them? The people of Punjab trust me, as they know I have never once defaulted on my promises to them, and I will never break their trust. They know that my promises are not mere election posturing but a serious commitment to promoting their interests once the Congress comes to power in not too distant a future.
You have a reputation of not giving time to the State. How much time do you think you can give for growth and development of the state back?
That the Badals have brought the state to almost irrevocable ruin and destruction is there for all to see. I will not therefore say that I will turn things around, and bring the state back on its path of progress, within days or weeks or months. It will take time, maybe two-three years or maybe my entire five-year stint. But I can assure the people that the process of bringing the changes will begin the day I take oath as chief minister. Policy implementation to bring about the necessary change will start immediately, without a day’s delay. And it will be done on war footing, so that the lives of the people start showing palpable change, for the better, sooner rather than later. I will ensure that not a single life is lost to drugs, farm debts or demonetisation. I will make sure that the people of my state are not made to suffer any longer, and those who are responsible for their current plight are brought to book.
You have repeatedly requested the Election Commission for early elections. How would that ensure a more conducive environment for free and fair polls?
Of course the Akalis led by the Badals have already seized control of all the important institutions that play a definitive role in securing free and fair elections, such as the police, the civil administration etc. And they continue to blatantly misuse public money and official machinery to their own advantage. However, with the elections drawing closer, they have adopted a reckless disregard and seem disinterested to even maintain a semblance of credibility. The brazenness with which they are going about vitiating the political atmosphere in the run-up to the elections is worrying. I have said it earlier, and I’ll say it again – if things continue the way they are, for too long, I worry major violence taking place in the state during the elections, beginning with the campaign.
Two contentious issues continue to plague the Punjab Congress. Firstly, the rift in the Punjab Congress over tickets to turncoats and secondly the confusion arising out of Sidhu not joining the party instead his wife and Pargat are in the party fold now. To what extent would these two issues impact the party in the forthcoming polls?
Neither of these issues is serious enough to merit any consideration, leave alone impact on the forthcoming polls. As far as tickets are concerned, the Punjab Congress has unanimously authorised CP to take the final decision. In such circumstances, there is no question of any differences on the issue within the Punjab Congress. As for Sidhus’ joining, the decision was completely theirs. We were always ready to welcome Navjot Singh Sidhu as well as other members of his Awaz-e-Punjab. He must have some good reasons not to join himself while asking his wife, Dr. Navjoy Kaur, and colleague Pargat to join.
You have said these are the last elections you’re going to fight. So what after the polls, or after 5 years, as the case may be?
Well, there’s a lot I would like to do – spend more time writing and reading, and more time potting around in my garden, once I am free of my political responsibilities and compulsions. I know that is still five years away, so I am not making extensive plans as of now. But definitely, I am looking forward to the time when I can do all those little things that I have always wanted to but could not do because of paucity of time.