‘Our coalition is different from previous BJP government’

Haryana deputy CM Dushyant Chautala says promises by his JJP and BJP were similar and the common minimum programme would be ready soon. The JJP leader tells Ajay Sura he supports CAA, but his opinion on NRC would be made public only after analysing regulations issued by Centre
BJP-JJP coalition in Haryana is 100 days old. What are your achievements?
The coalition has done well. I think most of our ideas are at the planning stage and results will show in future. Major relief would be the 75% reservation in employment for Haryana youth in local industries. We are the first state in India to successfully track paddy crop by doing its physical verification.
There is no sign of your common minimum programme (CMP). How long will it take and what are the hurdles?
BJP and JJP made similar promises, but implementation was different. We have already worked out a detailed plan and are in process of finalising the CMP’s implementation. Some of our promises have financial implications, so both allies are working on a way to implement them. I hope our schemes would be approved in the budget session.
CAA and NRC are being largely opposed by youngsters, but you have been supporting it. Will it not hit your image?
We are supporting CAA as it gives citizenship to persecuted minorities of neighbouring countries. It is not going to affect any Indian as such. But, we have not formed our opinion on National Register of Citizens (NRC) because the Union government has not come out with any rules or policy related to NRC. Our opinion on NRC will be based on rules and regulations issued by the Centre in future.
People who supported you in assembly polls for your anti-BJP stance have opposed your decision to be a part of the BJP government. Your take?
People of Haryana gave a mixed mandate in October 2019 assembly polls. It was only after discussions with party cadres, we decided to become a part of the coalition. The functioning of the present BJP-JJP coalition would be entirely different from the previous BJP-led government in Haryana. Each and every decision this time would be based on coalition formula.
What about unemployment?
It’s tough for youth to get jobs.
This has to be addressed immediately because landholdings are shrinking and government jobs are not sufficient. Industry is looking for skilled and disciplined labour. We have asked industries about their requirements, expectations and, to some extent, apprehensions. I am happy our youth have shown great potential on parameters in ‘Skill India 2019’ report. Youth in Haryana are good learners, hard workers and punctual. The government is making all efforts to become a bridge between industry and youth.
You are advocating 75% reservation for people with Haryana domicile in jobs in industries in state. Is this realistic?
It is practical. Many states have already implemented this with a greater percentage. We can’t give a government job to everyone. Once this formula is implemented, it would help our rural economy grow. I am sure one job in a family will ease life of 3-4 people.
How do you feel about a mahapanchayat pardoning those involved in the attack on former minister Captain Abhimanyu’s house during the 2016 Jat stir?
The matter is pending in court. I won’t comment on it. Efforts by social institutions for restoring peace in society are welcome and would help restore and strengthen brotherhood in the state.
Water is an issue. Punjab is not in the mood to give water to non-basin states. What will Haryana do?
We have already won the case in Supreme Court and are sure of getting our right legally. Any political party in Punjab or elsewhere has no right to supersede the ruling given by the apex court. Our government is committed and has prepared well to deal with the issue at the appropriate level.