P. CHIDAMBARAM IS BUSY campaigning in Sivaganga, from where his son, Karti P. Chidambaram, is contesting.
Amid the hectic schedule, Chidambaram spoke to THE WEEK about everything from farmers’ distress to the Congress’s proposed minimum income guarantee scheme—NYAY— and from Modi’s chowkidar plank to money that was written off by the government in insolvency-resolved cases. Edited excerpts:
You travelled countrywide to prepare the Congress manifesto. What is the mood of the people?
The Congress manifesto has become a talking point and its promises will have an impact on the way people vote. The people are extremely disappointed that Modi wasted a historic mandate. The unemployment [rate] is at an all time high in 45 years, small and medium businesses have been devastated, and there is a great sense of insecurity among all sections of the people, particularly women, dalits and minorities. The people expected the Congress party to present a bold and forward-looking manifesto that will address the real issues of the people—poverty among 20 per cent of the population, farmers’ distress and unemployment.
Will communal issues play a major role in this election?
This story is from the April 28, 2019 edition of THE WEEK.
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This story is from the April 28, 2019 edition of THE WEEK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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