Rahul is the latest member of the Gandhi dynasty that is thrown into the political arena in India. Its decision, taken in late March, surprised both the political class and the electorate. For the opposition meant the "best evidence of the desperation of the Congress Party [founded by Jawaharlal Nehru, Rahul's great-grandfather] in their struggle to regain power." For supporters of the Congress, Rahul's arrival is a "breath of fresh air both political dinosaur." Eldest son of assassinated former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, Rahul, 34, completed his university studies between the U.S. and the UK, a country where he met his Spanish girlfriend, of which only says his name is Veronica, who was born in Venezuela and now in Spain. Although even his enemies see him as the future leader of India, Rahul said that currently only aims to solve the problems of the people of his constituency.
Question. Why so suddenly decided to enter politics?
Response. I decided not suddenly. I thought of helping my people when I saw how they attacked my father at the time he ruled and when he died I realized that someday I would be that I devote to politics. I feel I have a certain responsibility, both for what I received from my family and so the Indians have given us.
Q. How will it help a country that has more than one billion inhabitants, 350 million under the poverty line?
A. Personally, I think India has two major problems. First, the division between Indians and, above all, for religious reasons. This has been used by the BJP [People's Party, in power] and has led to atrocities like the killing of 3,000 people in Gujarat (2002) and total polarization in the region of Uttar Pradesh. It is a tremendous danger. I am totally against it. The second problem is the disparity in economic growth, with some states that are doing well and others such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, who are totally paralysed. That's dangerous, because the fast growing fund will not want one day to the other.
Q. Do you agree with the alignment of Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, with the U.S. in its war against terrorism?
A. My father was killed by a terrorist attack, my grandmother, too, but I believe that terrorism is something to be tackled taking into account the feelings of the people.
P. Deputy Prime Minister Lal Krishna Advani, said on Sunday that the issue of torture and abuse of Iraqi prisoners by American soldiers is an "internal affair" of the U.S. Do you agree?
A. In Iraq, India or Spain, this type of abuse is inhumane and should be punished. What has happened is absolutely brutal and inadmissible.
Q. Do you think your presence will help to revitalize his party?
A. Wait until Wednesday, when announcing the official results of this election and see how Congress is in good health. The Congress party is a much more widespread than the BJP, what happens is that the BJP was allied with our opponents in the various States and was able to create a bloc against us. Now we also forged our alliances.
P. This campaign has been conducted based on the slogan of India shining BJP ...
A. Yes, a slogan that has been a disaster and we'll see if it does not cost the government. No one outside of New Delhi, Bombay and Bangalore India knows what it means to shine. When an Indian in Uttar Pradesh just has to eat the prime minister comes and says that India is shining, is insulting. India shines only for a minority. We have made a campaign based on the fight against unemployment, lack of economic growth in some states and against the division of the Indians for religious or caste.
Q. How can I create 10 million jobs a year for new jobseekers?
A. More than 10 million. In rural areas, of course, is more difficult. But much can be done with education, training and coaching. Promoting the establishment of small industries and manufacturing, and enhancing the services sector, which is going very well thanks to the changes introduced by my father. But this is national politics and I do not consider a national leader. My work is with people in the constituency of Amethy, and there I am very committed to ensuring that women, who are the ones that are worse, go ahead.
Q. You are considered a national leader, but millions of Indians hailing him as such ...
A. No matter what others think of one, it is important to know what one is. I'm not going to shatter the expectations of some people to do something for which I am still not ready.
Q. Do you think there is an expansion of Hindu fundamentalism?
A. No. Hindu fundamentalism has slowed. Today, even the BJP knows he can not win elections that way. The problem is the tremendous damage already done. Nobody has been arrested by the Gujarat massacre and people wonder, whether Muslims, Hindus or Sikhs, if it is safe in a country where politicians urging them to battle 3,000 people die and nothing happens.
Q. Do you think we need to reform the Congress Party?
A. All political parties should follow the will of the people that is dynamic, hence, should remain in a continuous process of adapting to the times.
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