‘People are proud when I make controversial statements’

(This article is translated by DH's Ashwini YS from an interview conducted by Prajavani's B N Sreedhara)

As a five-time MP from Uttara Kannada, BJP’s firebrand leader and Union Minister Anantkumar Hegde is testing his electoral luck for the sixth time from the same constituency.

Hegde, who is affiliated with the right-wing Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), is known for his controversial and incendiary remarks, especially against Islam. He will be taking on the JD(S) candidate Anand Asnotikar in the upcoming elections.

In an interview with B N Sreedhara of Prajavani, Hegde shares his thoughts on the elections, nationalism and religion. Excerpts:

Do you like making controversial statements?

I have not issued controversial statements. They appear controversial to intellectual fools who fail to perceive and understand my words. But, I cannot change my stand on account of such weak persons.

Aren’t the statements like, ‘We don’t want Muslim votes’, ‘Severe hands which touch Hindu women’, ‘Change Constitution’, controversial?

I have not said any such thing about Muslims. But my words are directed against the anti-national mindset behind them. I have spoken about terrorism from a rationalist’s point of view. I have said we don’t want votes of traitors. Similarly, my speech on Hindu women should be heard properly before comments are passed on it.

Then what is the source of these statements?

I intend to change the perception people have about me. Some prejudiced minds, who are hell-bent on contaminating pristine water, are behind this propaganda. If they derive pleasure in doing so, let them do it.

As an elected representative, is it right on your part to speak for one religion and against another?

Just as I am committed to my principles, I am bound to my duties also. There is no untruth in my statements. I don’t make these statements just for the sake of politics. They are backed by rational thinking, and I stand by it.

Are you committed to your stands?

Absolutely, I am committed to my statements which I have made from the standpoint of the nation, nationality and religion. There is no contradiction in my opinion which is supported by my commitment to these principles. But, certain sections are interpreting them in a different way, leading to bad propaganda.

Do people of your constituency rue your controversial statements?

No. Instead, they feel proud. There has been no change in my commitment to my principles and it has only strengthened.

Do you think Anand Asnotikar of the JD(S) is a strong opponent?

People will give an appropriate answer.

Why you have been unable to guard communal harmony in politics?

I have not come to politics with any ambition. There is nothing that I should change myself in a particular way for politics. God has entrusted me this responsibility, and I will discharge it as long as he wishes. Self-contentment is more important to me.

Do you think you will become the chief minister?

I am not a dreamer nor do I have faith in dreams. I do not nourish that ambition also. You are a firebrand campaigner of the BJP. But your name does not figure in the list of star campaigners.

I have restricted myself to my constituency. I do not have the ambition to traverse the whole state and become a big leader. The people of my constituency love me and the party has given me a responsibility. I am satisfied with it.

Which party will be in power if Narendra Modi becomes prime minister again?

People are expecting a honest, mature government. Modi’s reelection will harbinger all changes.

Your opinion on the following

H D Devegowda – A (Hegde): Very shrewd; Sonia Gandhi – A: Highly immature; Rahul Gandhi – A: Childish; Amith Shah – A: Highly matured, perfectionist and strategist; Mallikarjun Kharge – A: You get the experience of speaking with an elderly person; Siddaramaiah – A: You experience all the feelings of discussing an issue with a fool; H D Kumaraswamy – A: Pity him; child of circumstances; H D Revanna – Lemon.