TOI exclusive: Siddaramaiah govt has been taken over by builders, Karnataka at their disposal, Amit Shah says

NEW DELHI: With 3 days for campaigning to finish, BJP chief Amit Shah, the spearhead of the birthday party's effort to retake Karnataka, is confident of a win. He tells Akhilesh Singh that PM Narendra Modi's popularity stays undiminished and will lend a hand the birthday party win even the 2019 elections. Excerpts:

What is your estimate of BJP's possibilities in the Karnataka elections?

It is not my estimate, it is my conviction that we will get a comfy majority. PM Modi's popularity, the dedication of the birthday party organisation and goodwill for BS Yeddyurappaji will ensure that he replaces Siddaramaiah as CM after May 15.

Do you assume the Karnataka results can have a bearing at the 2019 basic elections?

Every election is necessary for nationwide politics. But Karnataka is special for BJP as it'll be a gateway to the south for us. But it'll surely be disappointing for Congress.

On what problems is your birthday party contesting the Karnataka polls?

Failure of the Karnataka govt on all fronts is the most important issue. Around three,500 farmers dedicated suicide under this govt. There has been a soar of 173% in farm suicides in Karnataka, the easiest in the country, however this govt stays insensitive. Law and order has been abysmal and Siddaramaiah has surrendered to the troika of (KJ) George, (NA) Haris and Roshan Baig, and has passed over Bengaluru to them. (George and Baig are state ministers, Haris is an MLA.) Those 3 could also be contesting on 3 seats however for us, they are present on all 224 as the logo of lawlessness. There was a murder try in a Bengaluru lodge however no longer even an FIR was being registered. As many as 24 BJP staff were killed. Killers use the similar approach, they arrive via motorbikes and slit throats however FIRs were registered handiest in a few instances because SDPI, which is answerable for focused killings, is a Congress ally.

You said Siddaramaiah has passed over Karnataka to the troika of George, Haris and Baig. But developers are influencing politics in different states too...

I do not know which examples you consider. But let me tell you that Karnataka is a case apart, handiest one of its kind. It is not a easy case of crony capitalism. Other governments may want one builder or the other, right here it is the developers who have the state at their disposal. It is a takeover of the government via developers.

BJP talks about building as its primary poll plank however in Karnataka, it is Congress which is combating elections with the problem as its primary theme.

Development is in a mess. Look at the perennial visitors jams in Bengaluru. The Centre despatched funds but it surely didn't reach the actual beneficiary. There was no building up in irrigated land and Bengaluru's growth has stagnated. On the other hand, PM Narendra Modi and his govt has been operating tirelessly and persevered to allocate funds to Karnataka. Apart from Rs 2.19 lakh crore allocated under the 14th Finance Commission, the Centre allocated any other Rs 80,000 crore. I believe the folk of Karnataka have seen higher growth fee in BJP-ruled states and they are certain about BJP. Modi's popularity is a large asset for the birthday party and it has grown because of his performance.

Don't you worry fatigue setting in with Modi after four years of supremacy at the Centre?

I don't consider in such instructional theses. But to reply to your particular question, I don't have any such worry because folks really feel fatigued handiest with non-performers. And this is true in all walks of life, no longer simply politics. Those who slog with the intent to convey happiness to others, will always be favored. Look at the response the PM is getting right here and that may lend a hand us win.

You were claiming that BJP will get a transparent majority, however many really feel the verdict will probably be hung and your birthday party will shape a coalition with JD(S).

I have toured the state widely. I am satisfied that persons are bored with the Siddaramaiah govt and will give us a decisive verdict. The response to the PM should take away all doubts. People have purchased into this ‘hung verdict' concept because they are committing the mistake of seeing this election as a triangular battle. Fact is, we've got three-cornered contests handiest in 45-odd constituencies. In the remainder 175-odd (seats), we've got direct contests.

Will you shape a coalition with JD(S) if you don't get a majority?

I do not believe we will want somebody's improve. There are 3 days of campaigning still left and there will probably be extra consolidation in our favour.

Why is the PM then lavishing reward on former prime minister HD Deve Gowda?

The PM was handiest searching for to spotlight the contrast between Rahul Gandhi's discourteous treatment of Deve Gowdaji and the distinction that he (Modi) shows to the former PM when they meet. In public life, variations should no longer deter us from acknowledging the great work completed via others whom we would possibly not believe. Such reputation should no longer necessarily and mechanically result in political alliances.

You see huge anti-incumbency however Siddaramaiah denies it.

I move amongst folks and have interaction with them and I take a look at their response in roadshows and rallies. The greatest indicator is the attach the PM has. You cannot be expecting Siddaramaiah to say ‘sure there's anti-incumbency'. I see huge anti-incumbency.

You say corruption is a big issue in Karnataka however there have been allegations against Yeddyurappa and the Reddy brothers of Ballari; now they are BJP applicants.

Not a unmarried case was proved against Yeddyurappa. In reality, the court docket said some instances were frivolous and manufactured. Still, we took motion and he was removed from the birthday party. There aren't any instances against the 2 applicants (Karunakara Reddy and Somashekara Reddy) we've got fielded. However, Siddaramaiah is roaming round shamelessly wearing a watch of Rs 40 lakh however Congress does no longer dare question him.

Don't you assume separate religion standing introduced to Lingayat community will lend a hand Congress (via splitting the community which has supported BJP) as some mutts have extended improve to them?

The Karnataka govt announced it at the fag-end of its tenure after four-and-a-half years. So, their aim cannot be relied on. Moreover, Congress-led UPA had rejected the proposal in 2013.

Siddaramaiah has accused BJP of no longer resolving the Mahadayi water dispute at the same time as BJP regulations neighbouring Goa and Maharashtra.

After formation of Yeddyurappa govt, the Mahadayi issue will probably be resolved in six months. We have promised this in our poll manifesto. Siddaramaiah should speak about what he has completed to get to the bottom of the problem.

You are known for the use of social engineering to win polls. Have you attempted that during Karnataka?

It was no longer required right here as anger in contrast govt is throughout all sections of society. So, the caste of applicants has develop into inappropriate.

You have fascinated about Dalits however there have been studies of atrocities that might harm you.

The anger you are referring to is nowhere at the ground stage. I have been interacting with Dalit representatives like students, NGOs and social staff however did not in finding any downside. One should know that we (BJP) have maximum selection of Dalit MPs and MLAs. People might make such claims however I may not consider this.

But BJP's personal Dalit MPs were a part of the grievance.

We see a campaign of falsehood being unleashed each and every time an election approaches. A few folks can always get swayed via such false propaganda and that is what you are witnessing.

You seem to be raking up the controversy over birth anniversary celebration of Tipu Sultan to reach communal polarisation.

The boot is at the different leg. Tipu Sultan has always been a polarising figure, and folks in Kodagu and different parts of the state, together with some bordering Goa, have hellish recollections of his regime. Karnataka has one of these rich historical past and boasts heroes like Rani Chennamma who fought against the British, her lieutenant Sangolli Rayanna, and Chitradurga warrior Madakari Nayaka. And yet, Siddaramaiah makes a decision to have a good time the birth anniversary of handiest Tipu Sultan? Who is being divisive and polarising right here and who's appeasing whom?

Whenever there's an election, you recall Mani Shankar Aiyar and Pakistan.

It is not correct... somewhat, it's Congress which latches directly to Aiyar and Pakistan to consolidate Muslim votes. I don't have any qualms in saying this.

Why focal point on Jinnah in a state election?

The dispute is over Jinnah and a few organisations of Aligarh who don't like him. I objected to the reward that Mani Shankar Aiyar showered on him because I feel that this marks a new bankruptcy in the politics of appeasement. I don't consider Aiyar is acting on his personal. Congress has been methodically the use of such mavericks of their B-team to play the politics of appeasement and the bluff needs to be known as.

BJP claims to be an inclusive birthday party, however it sort of feels its inclusiveness stops at consolidating Hindus.

BJP has never completed politics on religion and no person should do it. It is against the spirit of our Constitution. Voter should be seen handiest as a voter and no longer at the foundation of religion.

What is the root of your self assurance that Modi enjoys sufficient popularity even after four years to ship any other victory for BJP?

The four years of the Modi govt have impacted nearly 22 crore families. Through schemes for bathroom development, distribution of LPG connections and electrification of villages, we've got, even after bearing in mind overlaps, improved the dwelling same old of 22 crore families. Congress may no longer convey these changes in 70 years. As they failed, we got the opportunity and really feel lucky that we have got served the folk. The complete global today recognizes the Modi govt's achievements. The country's security was no longer compromised, OROP was stuck for 40 years however was applied, we've got proposed loose medical health insurance to 10 crore families which is able to duvet 50 crore people.

The govt introduced ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' campaign however persons are wondering it after the new rapes.

The ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' campaign was to prevent feticide of the girl kid and teach ladies. It was intended to give momentum to such moves and make them a movement. The two incidents persons are talking about (Unnao and Kathua)... let the court docket judgments come. However, as our moral responsibility, we took motion against our birthday party staff about whom questions were raised.

Opposition realignment was seen in UP bypolls and its taking place again in Kairana. Do you assume it'll affect your possibilities?

See, there's sufficient time for Lok Sabha polls. Our goal is to get 50% of the votes and we are confident of achieving that. After 50%, there may not be much left even for a mixed opposition.

Are you satisfied with the Yogi govt in Uttar Pradesh?

The Yogi govt has completed great work so far. His performance on bettering regulation and order and also the situation of farmers is remarkable as this stage of development had by no means happened in the state.

In UP assembly polls, you got improve of all sections together with a section of OBCs however it is said some OBCs are drifting away out of your birthday party?

We did not contest UP on caste foundation as we had no longer announced who would be the chief minister. Voting on caste strains occurs when there is a face, which we did not have. We contested a caste-neutral election and we proceed to keep on with governance in the state.

What is your evaluation of the new Congress, mainly after Rahul Gandhi took over and what are your views about regional events?

Haven't paid much consideration to it. But they proceed to shrink. They are confined to three states and after the Karnataka results are out on May 15, they'll fold to two states. Still, I agree that Congress is a national birthday party and we've got an immediate battle with them on 250 Lok Sabha seats. As a ways as regional events are concerned, it varies from region to region.

S ome NDA allies have severed ties and TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu has accused BJP of becoming a member of palms with Jaganmohan Reddy. Even Shiv Sena and BJP were at loggerheads.

Our ties with Shiv Sena are intact and I reiterate we shall contest future polls together. We have a powerful alliance with JD(U) in Bihar. However, it's over so far as TDP is concerned because it was Chandrababu Naidu who broke away. After Karnataka, we shall focal point on Andhra with a full-fledged campaign. The Andhra govt owes a solution about how central allocations were utilised and how some folks's price has risen to Rs 10,000 crore and not using a obvious source of source of revenue.

You are the incumbent in 3 large states (MP, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh) which is able to pass to polls via the year-end.

Whether being incumbent is a bonus or a liability relies of how you've gotten performed. People will improve you when you've got performed. We had governments in MP and Chhattisgarh, still we got here again to power in 2013. This time, we are confident of winning with a better margin than 2013.