PAWAR AND THACKERAY SHOULD INTROSPECT ABOUT WHY PEOPLE LEFT THEM

As deputy chief minister, Devendra Fadnavis is buoyant about the poll prospects of the BJP-led coalition in Maharashtra. He says “pro-incumbency” will help the coalition win at least 40 of 48 seats in the state. Excerpts from an interview:

- DNYANESH JATHAR

INTERVIEW

DEVENDRA FADNAVIS, DEPUTY CHIEF MINISTER, MAHARASHTRA

Q/ Narendra Modi has completed 10 years in power. Aren’t you worried about the anti-incumbency factor?

A/ No. In fact, I feel that after a long time there is a government that is enjoying pro-incumbency. People want to vote for Modi ji. Through his policies, Modi ji has touched people of all sections of society. I have not seen any other prime minister achieve such a personal connect—from children to businesses, from influencers to players, from artistes to artisans. People want him as prime minister. If at all there is any anti-incumbency, it could be against a particular candidate, but not against the prime minister or our government.

Q/ But issues like unemployment and rising inflation are being discussed a lot.

A/ These issues are always discussed. When the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) government was in power, inflation was in double digits. Our government has controlled it—the last five to seven years have seen the lowest inflation. As regards unemployment, if you see data, you would realise that informal sector is getting converted into formal sector. Our EPFO (Employees Provident Fund Organisation) numbers show it.

Secondly, the kind of employment provided by startups and fintech companies. India is emerging as a manufacturing hub, so employment opportunities are rising. Because of our demographic advantage, a very large number of youth need jobs. No other government faced this issue earlier. I think Modi ji is [creating jobs] successfully.