Yashwant Sinha, a contender for president of India, declared he will not run in another election. The former Union Minister for the Vajpayee administration spoke with IANS about a variety of subjects, including upcoming elections, his competitor Draupudi Murmu, and current politics.
Q: You had such a distinguished career in administration. Given that this election is for a non-political position, how different will it be?
A: You’re correct. I want to start by stating that this is my final election campaign. I have fought many electoral battles throughout my life, and this one is my final one. I am very happy to be concluding my electoral career by running for the highest constitutional position in the country.
Both the fact that I am facing off against the other candidate, who has government sponsorship and the fact that I am running for the highest constitutional office make this election highly unique. Therefore, it will be a good fight.
Q: You had key positions in the Vajpayee administration. How different do you think this government’s operations are from Atalji’s administration?
A: To put it briefly, the current government believes in conflict while the Vajpayee government valued consensus. If the Vajpayee administration believed in the principles of parliamentary democracy, this administration is working to undermine those principles. If the Vajpayee government believed in the rule of one person everywhere, this government believes in the rule of one person within the party, in the cabinet, and outside the country.
Because of this, our nation’s democratic institutions have lost all value and have stopped working during the past eight years. This is the predicament that our nation’s democracy is in. It is very concerning that India, a country formerly renowned for its democracy, is now being referred to as an elected autocracy. I’m fighting for these ideals as well.
Q : It’s been suggested that the conflict is not between you and Murmu but rather between ideologies. How has the situation changed since you served as a minister for the government of India?
A: As I just mentioned, the way things work is different. Consequently, one person is in control of the policies that are implemented, and the cabinet minister plays no part in all of this. The administration is implementing terrible policies, and as a result, there is widespread dissatisfaction in the country. Today’s youth are on the streets because they are experiencing a variety of hardships and the government isn’t caring.
Everything about this government’s methods of operation and policies is flawed and has contributed to the collapse of the nation.
Q: You have served as finance minister for a number of years; how do you feel about the state of the economy?
A: To begin with, the government’s reported data are unreliable. This is the first time in our nation’s history that the government has manipulated statistics and data, making them unreliable. The financial system is a shambles. Since demonetization, it has been steadily dropping, and people are suffering. In the end, a lack of economic growth hurts the populace as per capita income declines.
Q: Do you envision a situation similar to that of A.P.J. Kalam in this presidential election, where he received support from both the Congress and the then-ruling BJP?
A: I don’t believe so, as this government, as I’ve stated, believes in confrontation rather than consensus, and if they had, they might have taken action.
Q: Do you anticipate any changes by July 18?
A: a lot of parties will come out in support by July 18, Yes, things will change.
