Ajit Jogi, 72, the first CM of Chhattisgarh, has created a sensation in this election by allying his newly formed Janata Congress Chhattisgarh with the BSP and the CPI. After a busy day campaigning in Bastar, he speaks about the way the electoral fight is shaping up in the State.
The Congress is alleging that you are the B team of the BJP and have put up this front only to ensure Chief Minister Raman Singh’s victory.
Nothing can be further from the truth. I can give you examples; Raman Singh launched a false case of murder against me and got me arrested. The very next day, the court gave me relief. This was followed by accusing me of robbing a gold chain and ₹10,000 when I was at the Dongrapur temple. Can I on my wheelchair commit a robbery? Then he raised questions about my tribal status. The High Court and the Supreme Court have both cleared the air on it. But he does not let go. He trapped my son in a false case. Someone who has done so much against me, how can I work for his victory. I formed this party because I want to make my own government.
How did you convince the BSP for an alliance?
It took only three hours. I met [BSP chief] Mayawatiji in Lucknow. We spoke and we announced [the alliance]. The second-rung leaders were discussing it for some time. I have a long-standing relationship with the late Kanshiramji [BSP founder] and Mayawatiji. When Kanshiramji started BAMCEF [All India Backward and Minority Communities Employees Federation], I was a District Collector. That was my first brush with him. Many years later, when I was an MP, our houses were next to each other in Delhi. Whenever he was free, he would call me over for a chat and we will end up talking till 2 a.m. I have known Mayawatiji since then.
First, you announced that you were contesting against Raman Singh and then not contesting at all. Now we hear that you may be the alliance candidate from Marwahi. Why flip-flops?
I was quite keen on fighting against Raman Singh from Rajnandgaon. But my alliance partners said that we have no star campaigner and you have to campaign in all 90 seats. So because of coalition dharma, I decided not to contest. But then the whole of Marwahi landed at my door questioning my decision. I am still considering. It is not final yet but most probably I will contest from there.
Your wife, Renu Jogi, continues to be in Congress. How come you failed to convince her?
She is an educated person. The Congress asked her to contest when I met with an accident in 2004. She is an academic and not a natural politician. She is a lady with her own mind. And I appreciate that. She is not committed to the Congress, she is committed to [former Congress president] Soniaji. Which is why despite the best efforts of my son and me, we couldn’t convince her.
You too share a very good relation with Sonia Gandhi. In fact, many say that she picked you to lead the State superseding more senior leaders. So why did you quit the Congress?
I still have a very good relationship with her. When I fell ill recently, she gave me a call. Congress president Rahulji also spoke to me. I formed my own party for quite a different reason. I was not dissatisfied with the Congress. I realised in this last phase of my life, that whatever years are left, I must give it to Chhattisgarh. That can’t be done if I am in a national party. That’s why I decided to form a regional party, where I am free to take my own decisions. That is why I parted ways with them.
What is your assessment of the leadership qualities of Rahul Gandhi?
I have made a promise to myself that I will never speak against anybody from the [Gandhi] family. I may have my views, but I will not say them in public. Everything will depend on the 2019 Lok Sabha election. If his party does well, then he can be Prime Minister. But if the regional parties [gain a majority], then we will have our own coalition.