On October 14th, Rahul Gandhi conducted an interview with Satyapal Malik. This interview was recorded and the video of the interview was uploaded to Rahul Gandhi’s YouTube channel on October 25th making it available for people to watch and listen to.
In a 28-minute conversation on October 14 Congress leader Rahul Gandhi interviewed former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satyapal Malik. They discussed various topics including violence in Manipur the Pulwama attack the farmers’ movement and the caste census. During the interview Malik expressed his belief that the Modi government may not win the upcoming elections as there are only 6 months left.
In a conversation with Satyapal Malik, Rahul Gandhi asked him about his political journey. Satyapal Malik ji shared that he entered politics while he was still a student and even served as the university president twice. In 1973 Charan Singh called him when 30 MLAs had left him. Charan Singh emotionally asked Satyapal to take care of the party focused on supporting farmers and not consult with anyone else. The next day Satyapal was announced as part of Charan Singh’s team and he eventually became an MLA in 1974 at the age of 26. Over the years Satyapal ji served as a member of the Rajya Sabha, Lok Sabha, and held ministerial positions. He’s currently a Governor. Because he was fully involved in politics.
Rahul Gandhi asked Satyapal Malik about his opinion on Jammu and Kashmir. Malik believes that using force or oppression custom solve the issues there; it’s important to win over the people. He suggests that to bring peace, Jammu and Kashmir should have its statehood restored. Article 370 was revoked and the region was made a Union Territory but they should give it back its statehood. The state police had concerns about this change, but they have always supported the central government. Amit Shah has promised to return statehood so it’s important to do that and hold elections to bring stability.
Malik also mentioned that there are more incidents and violence happening in the region now compared to before, with daily occurrences in places like Rajouri and the Kashmir Valley.
Rahul Gandhi asked Satyapal Malik about his opinion on the Pulwama attack. Malik ji mentioned that he’s not saying the attack was carried out by the BJP but the party used it for political purposes. Prime Minister Modi asked people to remember Pulwama when they vote.
Rahul Gandhi shared his experience during the Pulwama attack where he felt like he was locked in a room at the airport and it seemed like an event was being created.
Malik ji revealed that on the day of the attack PM Modi was at National Corbett Park and he couldn’t reach him initially. When he did he was told not to say anything about it. Malik thought there would be an investigation but nothing has happened so far.
Rahul Gandhi inquired about the cause of the attack and Malik explained that the martyred soldiers had requested 5 aircraft from the Home Ministry, but their demand was not met. They had to travel on the road and met with an accident.
Satyapal Malik also mentioned that the explosives came from Pakistan and a vehicle with explosives was moving around for ten days without being noticed. Moreover the traffic was not stopped on the road the soldiers were passing through which is not the usual procedure.
In the conversation between Rahul Gandhi and Satyapal Malik they discuss the lack of representation of OBC Dalit and Tribal communities in various institutions such as the media and bureaucracy. Satyapal Malik mentions that Dr. Lohia had observed that even those who didn’t want to join committees for the independence of Goa were made to join but now the system has changed.
Rahul Gandhi asks how this situation can be changed and Satyapal Malik suggests that fixed percentages of representation for these marginalized communities need to be established in various institutions. Additionally awareness and consciousness among these communities need to be increased.
In the context of Manipur Rahul and Malik discuss the government’s lack of control in the state. They note that it has effectively split into two parts and the Chief Minister is unable to take effective action. Rahul Gandhi suggests that the government has lost control and Malik mentions that with only six months left until the elections he believes the Modi government will not be re-elected.
In the conversation between Rahul Gandhi and Satyapal Malik they discuss two different ideologies in Indian politics. One is the Gandhian ideology which promotes non-violence and brotherhood and the other is the RSS ideology which is associated with hatred and violence. Both are visions of Hindutva a term that represents the cultural and religious identity of Hindus.
Malik expresses the view that India can only thrive as a nation if it follows the path of liberal Hinduism, which was Gandhi’s vision. This means that the country should be based on principles of tolerance harmony and peaceful coexistence among its diverse population. Satyapal Malik believes that India can only function effectively and avoid fragmentation if it adheres to this ideology of living together without conflict and violence.
Rahul Gandhi and Satyapal Malik are discussing how the government seems to use various events or issues to divert attention from pressing matters or problems. They mention the example of the Women’s Reservation Bill being brought up when there was pressure on the government even though it may not actually be implemented for a long time. They also discuss how the government can turn events to their advantage like showcasing the construction of a new Parliament building.
Rahul points out that when Malik raised concerns about the Pulwama attack and the farmers’ movement, he faced threats. Malik explains that despite making complaints the authorities did not investigate the threats properly and he felt harassed during the interrogation. he mentions that he isn’t easily intimidated because he doesn’t have much to lose and understands that even the officers may have their own pressures and obligations.
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