Devil's Advocate: Kamal Nath

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Devil's Advocate: Kamal Nath

In an exclusive interview with Karan Thapar on Devil's Advocate, Minister of Industry and Commerce Kamal Nath discusses issues like Nandigram violence, SEZs and FDI in retail sector.

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Kamal Nath: Let me say what I am saying rather than me trying to say what you are saying. Our commitment is to affirmative action. Why? Because we have to ensure there is all inclusive growth in all sections of the society. If there is no other way out and if the industry does not respond.

Karan Thapar: I'll come to the question of why affirmative action is necessary in a moment's time because I am very keen to explore that with you. But at the moment, what I want to clarify is the point that you made that it is a commitment to affirmative action, which does not preclude reservation.

Kamal Nath:Absolutely.

Karan Thapar: Therefore, reservations are included in affirmative action.

Kamal Nath: Certainly. Because if, we want all inclusive growth, if there is no alternative to all inclusive growth, then reservations will have to happen.

Karan Thapar: Let me quote to you what Jawahar Lal Nehru wrote on the 27th of June 1961 to the Chief Ministers of that time. He said, "I dislike any kind of reservation. If we go in for reservations on communal and caste basis, we will swamp the bright and able people and remain second rate or third rate." This way, he added, "Lies not only folly, but also disaster."

Kamal Nath: And when was that?

Karan Thapar: 1961.

Kamal Nath: And where are we today in 2006. What Jawahar Lal Nehru said at that time was very correct. But when, over these last 50 years, something is not happening, it is imperative for us to address it. There are many things, which have not happened. Now, we have to priorities and we must recognise that it is not the government recognising it, I think that every single citizen, every single person in the industry must recognise that unless India has all inclusive growth, which includes growth and development reaching out to all sections of the society.

Karan Thapar: You are saying that because in the last 45 years, since Jawahar Lal Nehru spoke in 1961, India hasn't has the all inclusive type of growth which you want, therefore reservations has become a central issue and therefore, what Jawahar Lal Nehru disliked has become necessary today. And that is why you are prepared to go against Jawahar Lal Nehru.

Kamal Nath: We are not going against Jawahar Lal Nehru, what are you talking? It is in 61 that you are talking about. And I am saying what has not happened since 61.

Karan Thapar: Had he been alive today, would he have been in favour of reservations?

Kamal Nath: I don't want to say what would he have done if he had been alive. But Jawahar Lal Nehru stood for all sections of the society and if you are going to say that because he said that at that point in time, if what he had envisaged, his vision, you cannot take that in isolation. You are bringing his vision in here.