Why has the Congress decided to use the Oscar- winning song Jai Ho for its campaign?
We are using the tune and not the lyrics. We have engaged an agency and they are developing the lyrics for us. Congress is a forward-looking party and we sail with the times, in tandem with the psyche of the people. The core concern of the Congress is the aam aadmi. This tune will generate hope among the aam aadmi. Only the Congress can do that.
How is Jai Ho linked to the aam aadmi?
In this country, poverty has been the bane of the people and lifting people from poverty to a higher social level has been the premise of the Congress party.
Critics say that this song will ensure the Congress is defeated, as millions still live in slums because of the government’s faulty policies.
When people see a person from a slum becoming a millionaire, it injects some hope in them. Why should we not use it? It’s a reminder of reality; Congress builds its argument on reality. The BJP builds its theme on myth.
But the reality is that millions continue to live in slums.
That’s what I’m saying. If you don’t identify the reality, how will your programmes be implemented? First, you have to diagnose the disease, otherwise the medicine prescribed will not affect you. The Congress believes in reality.
But what does a boy becoming a millionaire in a film have anything to do with the Congress?
It is about how hope is generated. Hope will take the country forward, not cynicism. An optimistic environment will take people away from their problems.
Can a song win a party its votes?
Publicity will not win elections. Jai Ho is not the only one. Many songs are being developed.
This campaign is reminiscent of the NDA’s India Shining campaign in 2004. And we saw what the result was.
They never spoke of the common man. They put up hoardings and said India Shining. The aam aadmi should shine.
How is Jai Ho different from India Shining?
They are poles apart. The BJP never talked about aam aadmi.
The Congress paid $200,000 for the rights to the song.
This is all coming from your fertile imagination.
So how much was paid?
We will give the account to the Election Commission.
The money could have been used for the aam aadmi.
We spend on publicity, but don’t pay Rs 25 crore — the amount LK Advani paid for blogging. So whether it is $200,000 or $400,000, it is all bunkum.
The Congress is roping in Azhar and Rubina , the stars of Slumdog Millionaire, for the Lok Sabha campaign.
The Congress walks in tune with the present and future trends in order to inspire voters. We evolve new tactics, new style and new skill.
Why has the party roped in children for its publicity?
Who said we have roped in children for our publicity
The Mumbai Regional Congress Committee president.
Each Congress Committee has its own plans. It does not mean that the decision is taken at headquarters.
Why are you politicising the Oscar award?
The people who criticise are politicising it. There is nothing unethical about it. The country is proud. And so is the party that is governing the country.
