Jyotiraditya Scindia on why he chose public service: 'Not joined the cause of...'

Union Minister of Communications and Minister of Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya Scindia

Union Minister of Communications and Minister of Development of North Eastern Region  Jyotiraditya Scindia on Tuesday said 'politics was not my first choice' .

While speaking during the Connecting Generations, Bridging Geographies session at News18 Rising Bharat Summit 2025, the Union Minister said he did not enter the political ecosystem of the country but entered public service.

"I have not joined the cause of politics, I've joined the cause of public service," he said. "My father used to say, ‘Zindagi mein lakshya raajneeti nhi honi chahiye, Zindagi mein lakshya jaanseva honi chahiye aur rajneeti keval ek Madhyamgram honi chahiye uss lakshya ki parti karne ke liye."

Scindia also said he was an investment banker before joining politics. "I happen to come from a professional background. Before I entered public service, I used to be an investment banker. And so it was all about being able to to deliver on your timeline. And we have today a Prime Minister that makes sure that not only the cabinet but the Government of India delivers on its timelights. And that's why you're seeing the transformation," he said.

Speaking about the attacks he faced during his switch from the Congress to BJP, the minister said he did not "believe in dwelling on his past".

"I believe that God has been kind and given you birth on this earth to do good, to try and impact lives in a positive manner in whatever way you can. And I believe that I have not joined the cause of politics. I believe that I have joined the cause of public service...Always be transparent with people," said Scindia.

Speaking about his experience of working with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the minister said "it's amazing".  "It's always like as if you're on a treadmill, just trying to keep up. The amount of boundless energy, commitmment, dedication," he said.

When asked about narratives being built about India, Scindia said, “Narrative is about making sure that you lift the reality about the competitive advantages of your proposition. India is being able to set that narrative after a very long time across the world under the leadership of PM Modi."

The two-day Rising Bharat Summit 2025 brings together top policymakers, industry leaders, and thought influencers to deliberate on India’s global aspirations and developmental milestones.