MC EXCLUSIVE 'Judge NDA by vision, track record, not rhetoric': Jayant talks Yogi, Modi, Tharoor and AI literacy

Below are the excerpts from the interview:

Q. You have been focusing on expanding party’s footprints in Punjab and Haryana. What’s your party’s strategy and how do plan to leverage the respect your grandfather and former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh commands among farmers in the two states.

A. We are expanding out footprint in terms of organisation. Many grassroot leaders and people who have a long history of association with us and for some reason were not as active, have now been motivated and they are taking part in party's policies and programs.

Recently, I came from Telangana, we have set up a party office, there is an ex-MLC who was very involved with the Telangana movement and Chaudhury Ajit Singh ji used to support that movement very aggressively and he has joined the party and he is now the state president.

Similarly, in Punjab and Haryana, several farmer leaders have joined. In Haryana, there's an ex-MLA, Shri Sangwan, has been given the responsibility of the state and I'll be going to Chandigarh and meeting both the units soon.

The idea is that with the progressive policies that RLD has always championed for and specifically been a strong votary for rural development, for reforms in agriculture and meaningful reforms that create impact in terms of farmer incomes. Those are some of the issues that I am passionate about and our party has a long-standing history of taking up those causes and, you know, as far as Chaudhury Charan Singh that you asked, he's a national icon, he's been awarded Bharat Ratna and of course, there is a strong recall even now in young people across constituencies. It is up to us, it is incumbent upon us, on every worker of RLD to stand up to that vision and to maintain that trust that people still hold and that regard that people have for Chaudhury Charan Singh.

Q. But BJP has almost zero electoral presence in Punjab. If you plan to contest Punjab, how will you take on AAP and Congress which are formidable forces there?

A. See, there is always churn in politics. Aam Aadmi Party is also a new entrant. They don't have a long history. There was a lot of idealism and hope that brought them into power and people of Punjab have given them sufficient time. But now there is a lot of disenchantment and the feedback is that performance of the party has not been up to the mark. The finances in Punjab are crumbling and people in Delhi would have noticed that after losing the election it is almost as if the entire Delhi AAP has now been shifted to Punjab and what sources are telling me that every ministry in Punjab state government now has many attachments from Delhi. So, without saying anything specifically, I am sure that you and the viewers understand what I am trying to say.

So, there is a lot of space there. As far as being part of NDA, I am here to strengthen NDA but our party is also independently working and the second aspect, important aspect is that let's de-link RLD's political presence and organisation from just contesting elections. It can also be about activism, taking up issues, creating an organisation where farmers have belief and trust so that they can take up their issues in the mainstream.

So, it's not just about fighting elections and winning elections, it is also about getting good people in the vote.

Q. But how do you plan to address the issues of the farmers there because these two states were actually leading the farmers protest, especially when you talk about Punjab. Many of them allege that their issues are still unresolved.

A. Well farmers issues will always be a continuity, we always have to look at it progressively. Today our agriculture minister is very credible and a lot of people have faith in him; his working style is also in a way that creates an atmosphere of dialogue and that is the thing… No one in government can claim that we have all the answers. We have to sometimes listen to the farmers what they are telling us.

Punjab has seen because of the green revolution and you know sustained kind of monoculture almost in farming and emphasis on two or three crops only. It has seen a lot of damage to… you know… the ecology, water tables have depleted and so, that is an issue that we need to address. I think crop diversification is something is a goal but we have to work with farmers on that.

It cannot be mandated, cannot be prescriptive, cannot be top down. That agricultural practice has to be adopted by farmers. The national oil seed mission is a progressive step.

I feel that a lot of our dependency on imports has to come down. It is harming the Indian economy and I think new opportunities are there with the kind of thrust that has been given especially on oil seeds and pulses if you see the kind of increase that MSP has come about. I think that needs to be supplemented by state governments also in procuring those crops to ensure that the active prices in mandis do not fall below the minimum support price.

Q. At the same time when Punjab will be going to polls, Uttar Pradesh will also be going to polls. How do you plan to contest in Uttar Pradesh? Will it be like a party going solo or will you be contesting with BJP or have there been any overtures from your ex-ally Samajwadi party?

A. I was going to say we have many ex-allies. No communication on that front and we are working in coordination with BJP, especially in Uttar Pradesh. We are part of the state government and we have a cabinet minister. So, in that sense, we are sharing the responsibility for the development of the state and there has been a great track record in terms of improvement in levels of governance. Recently there was a police recruitment at a massive scale without any complaint. Thousands of young people are getting jobs, and also in education, with the Kayakalp scheme… the way they have converged funds to try and improve the infrastructure in government schools which was much needed for Uttar Pradesh. These are all progressive steps in the right direction. There is no question of us not contesting with BJP in the UP state election.

Q. But you’ve at times been perceived as having differences with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, especially regarding policies of the Uttar Pradesh government that some say disproportionately affect the Muslim community. How do you respond to this perception—particularly in light of incidents like the Meerut police directive against offering prayers on roads and BJP MLA Ketki Singh’s controversial call for a separate Muslim wing in a medical college?

A. My stand is quite well known and despite being with NDA, working and praising the leadership of Yogi Adityanath, in every natural relationship… you know even if you are related in terms of being a family member, there will be points of convergence and points of divergence.

Every person has their own perspective, worldview, working style, but our end goal is the same. As far as the Meerut Police directive, I think people sitting in administration must be very very sensitive. They must be for everyone and equality and access must come through in our action, in our communication.

I think that directive was… I mean I am obviously in favour that no religious practice of any individual or group or a community should come in the way of others. Other people's sensitivities must be considered and due regard must be given by all practitioners of every religion in our country, and therefore coming on the road and celebrating a festival… of course there's a role there that law and order… and administration needs to step in. But the tonality of that directive that they will take away your passport, that was incorrect. You involve the community leaders, you take them forward, you explain to them what is your point of view, what are the alternate arrangements that can be made, and you let them take that leadership in communicating to people; that would have been a better and softer and more nuanced approach.

As far as the MLA's comments, I think they are outrageous because now there's, it's also called in politics – Chhapaas Rog – Bologe to chhapoge, chhapoge to charcha mein aaoge… there's no such thing as good news or bad news. So, some people follow that approach, I think we must follow the path laid down by our forefathers, by people who fought for the freedom of our country, gave us this democracy, Babasaheb Ambedkar, Chaudhary Charan Singh and even our Prime Minister, the slogan underpinning government's efforts today is Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas. So therefore, anything that we say has to be in line with that core philosophy.

Q. Referring to your announcement of joining NDA last year - Was Bharat Ratna for Chaudhary Charan Singh the sole reason for you to join hands with the BJP? Or were there other reasons too?

A. I think it was one of the principal things that caused us to think about this decision. It's not an easy decision when you're in an alliance… to change direction… but I think we are honest to our core cause and our core philosophy and ideology. We are staying the path with regards to that. We are concerned with development of our region, of all people, and especially providing opportunities to young people, to women to come forward and I think looking at the track record of NDA, the vision of the Prime Minister, of course I think the Bharat Ratna was an award… that respect that denoted the highest civilian award being given to a man who truly deserved it, after decades of his passing away, a testament to his legacy, to the grassroots impact of his work and his vision. His life's work is now being celebrated.

Before this Bharat Ratna, there were no seminars being held in universities, research was not being facilitated. All of that is now made possible after the Bharat Ratna. So undoubtedly that told me and told every worker of RLD that here BJP, NDA and of course the Prime Minister is well seized of that contribution made by Chaudhary Charan Singh and so it was a great mark of respect. I think that set the ball rolling.

Q. How do you assess the NDA government’s diplomatic response to the Pahalgam attack? In your view, what significance does Shashi Tharoor’s inclusion in the delegation hold in strengthening India’s position globally?

A. I think India's response militarily was very, very technically sound and robust and we sent the message of zero tolerance. We targeted non-state actors and when the state that was complicit came forward, we did not hesitate from, you know, attacking beyond our borders. So that sent a very strong and aggressive message.

India's stance is clear. We are not in favour of any war and conflict and we have emerged as a responsible global power that is interested in institutional making and credibility of the global institutions and multilateralism, in improving trade ties, cultural ties, people to people exchanges. I think India has made its mark.

I do feel that the way diplomatically the outreach was designed and planned, it was spectacular. It was unheard of, unthought of and the involvement of senior leaders across the political spectrum is also important. When we, you know, politically, domestically, our opposition can be very, very strident and aggressive at times and that is part of democracy. But when we go out, it is about the national interest. That message was made very, very clear. Also, we understand that in today's age, wars are now being fought with drones and narratives are being created through tweets.

So, social media and disinformation, misinformation is also important and cannot be ignored because that create narratives amongst global policymakers. So, the outreach was very, very effective. I think it is still being analysed and the inclusion of Shashi ji, of course, because he has served as a diplomat, he has served office in the United Nations and he served as a minister for MEA and he is in charge of the parliamentary committee for external affairs… His involvement, of course, gave a very credible voice and of course, other senior leaders, Ghulam Nabi ji, Asaduddin Owaisi, K Kanimozhi, John Brittas, some of the names that are coming to mind, Salman Khurshid… So, all of these important political leaders from different parties went out and clearly communicated India's stance.

Q. But at the same time, Shashi Tharoor faced criticism from his own party members over his praise for the PM. What do you have to say about that?

A. I can understand that. You know, I have been in opposition, it's not easy. For 10 years, even I was on the losing side of things and that can have a deep-rooted personal impact on the leader's psyche. I do feel that, especially in Congress party, at the very senior level, that is what has happened. They are unable to get out of this track. And the negativity… when it is surrounding you, you're not making the right decisions. Just criticising everything, blanketly everything, just because we're in opposition, so we cannot give any power to government… people are very very smart. They see through these things. So, I do think that Congress should refrain from just blanketly criticising. They should come forward in constructive manner.

There is space for opposition to play a constructive kind of role in Indian polity. And I think Shashi ji coming forward, taking that responsibility on his shoulders and the way he has done it, the people of the country are watching him and liking him.

Q. Recent remarks by Madhya Pradesh Tribal Affairs Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah and BJP MP Ram Chander Jangra regarding the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor have drawn considerable controversy. As senior leaders within the NDA, their statements raise concerns about insensitivity and political discord. How do you view such comments coming from members of your own alliance?

A. I cannot abide by such remarks. Colonel Sophia, Wing Commander Vamika… the entire country was very proud the way they really communicated our efforts very clearly. And I think it sat very well with the nation.

Every segment of the population was pleased that these are the faces, that we have chosen to tell the world what is the reality and what is our response. And I think anything, any statement that undermines that effort, undermines that clarity, is harmful to the nation. And therefore, I cannot abide by those statements.

I did not like that statement. I may not have reacted. But I think we must refrain from making any out of turn statement that hurts the national mission.

Q. Do you believe such remarks risk undermining the NDA’s image and unity, especially at a time when national security should be above partisan rhetoric?

A. These statements do not define NDA. NDA should be judged by the developmental efforts, by the track record, by the vision. Going forward, we have to make our country a developed country by a time frame that has been communicated by the Prime Minister. It is an ambition and a goal for all of us and how we can work together in achieving that. I think that is what should define NDA, not out of turn statements, perhaps designed to, you know, attract eyeballs.

Q. You recently attended the Rising Northeast Investors Summit. Where do you see the Northeast’s role in India’s development journey? What big plans are there in the pipeline for the region?

A. In the last 11 years, the people of Northeast have recognised and they have celebrated one key feature of the governance and that is that, you know, Northeast is an integral part of our national framework. There is today no single policy program or project done by any ministry which does not have a core emphasis on the Northeast. And apart from the DONER ministry, even the PM office tracks that convergence on a regular manner.

More than 700 ministers have visited Northeast in the last one decade. Before this, you know, ministers would not be visiting Northeast. I recently went to Mizoram and people there were very, very happy. They came forward and they recognised that, yes, today ministers are coming, they're holding meetings, they're holding interactions, they're taking feedback and accordingly they're designing programs. In my trip on Mizoram, based on the feedback that we had been getting from the Northeast, we actually implemented a pilot for the next one year for our National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme. We have doubled the stipend made available only to young people with the domicile of Northeast.

26,000 young youth from Northeast are going to benefit and I think that is just one effort beyond that ITI scheme that the skill ministry is undertaking. We will ensure that all the Northeast kind of possibilities are taken into account. Today, 20 inland waterways are recognized and earmarked as national waterways.

I think the maritime kind of investment coming in has great potential for Northeast. Today, whether it's the Mizo chili or it's the oranges or it's the haldi or ginger, a large number of agri-produce which is a part of the traditional ecosystem of the Northeast is being globally recognised. They have arranged the GI tag which is there to preserve the intellectual property, to maintain the integrity of that traditional practice.

That is providing new opportunities for tourism, for food processing, for agriculture, for handicrafts. These are also traditional areas which are considered. Of course, tourism is opening up with the connections. Today, rail connectivity apart from waterways, road connectivity, air connectivity is seeing tremendous advancements and export potential of Northeast is also quite significant. Northeast is our linkage with Asian countries. A lot of this produce that is being generated is being pointed in that direction.

Sikkim, IIM and our Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship in Guwahati, they came together last and about six months ago we inaugurated that. They've set up incubation hubs for entrepreneurs, grassroots startup innovators from the Northeast region. That is seeing a lot of impact. So, whether it is IT, whether it's hospitality, whether it's elderly care, health care, agriculture, food processing, crafts, tourism, all of these sectors, people from Northeast are coming forward and making a mark.

Q. While there’s been a strong push to bring progress and development to the Northeast, the ongoing violence in Manipur remains a serious concern, and the opposition continues to raise it repeatedly. With the situation still tense and unrest continuing, how is the government planning to bring lasting peace and stability to the state?

A. I think Home Ministry is actively engaging in dialogue with all the stakeholders. And unfortunately, that kind of violence has been endemic to that state and region. There are some historic reasons for that. Some misgovernance, perhaps not having inclusive policies, not engaging in constructive debate, not coming down hard on insurgency or terrorists or those elements, anti-social elements… I think all of that is the reason why we have seen this conflagration, and we must have the faith.

The way Shri Amit Shah has given a date of expiry to Naxalism, which is unprecedented… no government likes to take that responsibility and onus upon themselves. It is a very, very clear message. cSimilarly, even for the people of Manipur, to take them along with us and rid them of those elements, I think the government of India is taking those steps.

Q. You’ve been a strong advocate for integrating AI into education and skill development. What are the government’s plans to promote AI literacy in smaller towns and cities? Can we expect AI to be formally introduced into the school curriculum in the near future?

A. This is a critical issue. Teaching pedagogy has to change. Students must be made aware. Along with the technology, the disruption, the possibility, there are issues with regards to ethics. How are you supposed to use it? How are you supposed to analyze the kind of output that comes from these AI tools, from the searches that you do using ChatGPT and all the various models. Sarvam is now coming up with the LLM. So, there's a lot of innovation happening in India that obviously has an impact on education.

So NCVT, which is our regulator in the skill domain, has come together with the school department. They are creating content for teacher training so that the teachers are sensitized. Along with that, direct to our students from 6th to 12th class, absolutely free - we have created a foundational AI course, AI for everyone, AI for all. And on the 15th of July, we'll be inaugurating that program in a pilot manner.

A lot of the big tech vendors have come forward. They've created that course. NCVT has gone through it and they've approved it. And 15th July, we're starting the skilling for AI readiness program in schools from Class 6th to 12th. Apart from that, NCERT is also looking at the curriculum development. You know, school textbooks are being revised. Up till 8th class, they have come out. And in various places, integration of these concepts, the new future skills is being done. More than 30,000 schools have already participated under skill hubs initiative in the vocational field.

And a lot of those, the demand from students today is coming in the future skill segment, whether it's IoT, robotics, AI, and that is very encouraging. Younger people in our country are innovating, they're resilient.

And that's the message we want to give to the world through scaling for AI readiness program, that a large section of our population is already understanding and using these tools.

There are already programs, like I said, the tinkering lab mission, 10,000 tinkering labs have been created. Now 50,000 more government schools are to be covered.

Future skills prime, which is an initiative run by NASSCOM and MEITY, that provides a lot of courses. On Skill India Digital Hub, there are already courses on AI. So that provides a certain equity when the courses are online.

And through this SOAR program, the first phase we are going to target are Jawahar Navodaya schools, residential schools, where you know, people from weaker segments, economically weaker backgrounds, those are the students. I mean, those families are… their students are coming and learning in a residential format in the JNVs. So when the JNV students get an opportunity to do that AI course, it will have a multiplier effect.

Q. Do you view the central government’s decision to conduct a caste census as a step driven by political necessity rather than policy intent? Given the timing and the increasing demands from regional parties, do you believe this move stems more from electoral compulsions than a genuine push for social justice and welfare planning?

A. See, we are a democracy. Every decision taken by any government is for taking that direction forward based on feedback of people. So political compulsion will be there behind every decision taken by a parliamentary democracy. So, it was a demand and I think, data is not a problematic approach. Issue will be in capture of that data and analysing the data and it will yield to kind policies and programs which could be targeted in the future, which will be very good for our polity. It will take forward the cause of social justice. It is being done after decades, and I think this was something core to the prime minister’s world view, on how he wanted to take everyone forward along with national cause. So, I think it will have an impact and I think time is also being given… it is being done scientifically.

We have seen in the past, some Congress ruled states where you’ve seen… for instance, in Telangana, when the census was done 10 years ago, it showed the backward population at 52%, and when the state did it again, it showed a drop of about 6 percentage points. So then, there is a backlash. Anyway, states don’t have the mandate to do a caste enumeration, they can do a survey. How that survey will actually lead to policies and programmes is a question… when the census will come, it will create a lot of new directions and hopefully even the states will respond proactively.

The Congress did it and they are not publishing it. Why they are not publishing it in the states where they did it? Why didn’t they do before this when they were ruling the country for so long? So, I think let’s not criticise and jump the gun. The government has taken a decision and they have given sufficient time, it’s going to be conducted till March 2027… so, hopefully that survey is designed properly. I have concerns… a lot of time people will not tell you… so the errors is that exercise, they need to be rooted out and that’s why I think, a lot of thought has come into this process flow and hopefully some good policy impacts can be made.