Union minister of labour and employment Bhupender Yadav says the BJP’s recent election victories were a mandate for its good governance. Speaking at an ET Roundtable, Yadav says the objective of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, which also he heads, is to protect both environment and development. Excerpts:

What was the logic for the selection of chief ministers by the BJP after the recent round of elections?

In the BJP, the CM post, or in fact any other post, is decided through a democratic process. Whether it is ticket distribution or leadership, it is done through a consultation-based process. It is not based on a sudden whim or personal choice. First, ground-level discussions are held, followed by those at the state level and the ticket is approved only by the party election committee. The same is done for the selection of the chief minister. Leadership, party position, consensus, all are considered through a very democratic process.

Are leadership changes expected in Himachal Pradesh ahead of polls, as we saw in Uttarakhand?

No such issue or plan is on yet. Changes, if necessary, will be made through consensus in the party. The ‘mool mantra’ for the party is ensuring governance to the last mile.

Is uniform civil code a national agenda for the BJP?

No such subject is under discussion currently. The party has one manifesto and it says clearly, ‘sabka saath, sabka vikas, sabka vishwas’.

What is your view on the rise of the Aam Aadmi Party in the recent elections?

The biggest trend in these elections is that the BJP government was repeated in four states and won the mandate for its commitment to good governance. This election is also a mandate against the Congress. In Punjab too, the mandate is more against the Congress. People didn’t want to vote for the Congress or the Akalis and hence the AAP came to power. Our own alliance happened late. The Aam Aadmi Party also made tall claims about Uttarakhand, UP and Goa, and their candidates lost deposits everywhere.

Will the AAP be a factor in Gujarat elections as seen in local body polls? Are they replacing the Congress?
They didn’t win there. I don’t think they are a factor and I don’t see the AAP replacing anyone. One electoral result does not make a larger trend.

Is freebie politics desirable?

People who are at the bottom of the ladder must be given basic services to ensure a qualitative change in their lives. From the Ujjwala yojana to Ayushman Bharat, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, Bijli Har Gaon Har Ghar and education, all are for basic requirements towards the right to live with dignity. The idea is to mainstream the marginalised with the larger society.

What about representation of Muslims in your party?
Representation and winnability go together. If there is representation and no winnability, then how can it be done? Where winnability is there, the party will then consider. As far as representation is concerned, in the five years of the Yogi government (in UP) and the BJP government at the Centre, ministers from minority communities have been serving. So, we have clearly not disassociated from the idea of representation.

Your view on the Hijab ban…

My view is that the Constitution of India is supreme, and all should follow it.

What about the narrative building on the movie, ‘The Kashmir Files’?


The truth of Kashmir should come out before all. The movie shows that time when there was an exodus. It’s a historical truth which should inspire us to ensure that no community is inflicted with unnecessary harassment and violence. That, all should live with fraternity and that the country should not be divided for small petty objectives.

Does the BJP see potential for further expansion?
There is definite potential in many areas. I see it in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal and we are trying. In West Bengal, we moved from three MLAs to 80, in Tamil Nadu we were third, we have done well in Andhra Pradesh and recently performed well in the Hyderabad municipal polls as well. In Odisha, we have more MLAs than before.

What is your view on the Opposition charge of BJP bulldozing Bills in Parliament, not sending them to panels?
That is not correct. If you look at data, you will see that is not the case. Bills that need to be sent are sent to parliamentary committees. From my own department, the Wild Life Act Amendment Bill has been referred to the standing committee, while the Biodiversity Bill has gone to the select committee.

How do you explain the government backtracking on reforms like the farm laws and land acquisition?
Reforms in such a big country require to take allsections along. Sometimes hurdles are posed. In land acquisition, several states later moved amendments. Every government needs to move on these with consensus. The PM said clearly that the aim (of the farm laws) was to double farmers’ income and the government has been working on a range of issues to ensure that – from insurance to irrigation, minimum support prices, addressing urea shortage, financial access and so on. If consensus couldn’t be created for an amendment in the law, we will still move ahead towards our larger aim to double farmers’ income.

What is the status of the other major reform, Labour Codes?
Most states have done legal vetting and the pre-publication exercise. Many have published also. State-level consultation is necessary here since it is a concurrent issue.

There are concerns about inadequate female participation in the workforce…

The latest E-Shram registration data show 53% registration is by women. So, women’s participation is increasing and steps being brought in through new labour codes such as wage parity, safety and night duty facilitation are having an impact.

What is your view on the impact of women vote in these elections?
I welcome it and believe that BJP apart, the women vote is emerging as a strong factor. It is good their engagement, participation in society, in elections and political life is increasing and in fact, it should increase further.

Priyanka Gandhi is also trying to work for the women vote…

There is no harm in trying, but the question is whether that vote will help strengthen dynasty or democracy. The public knows it; whether the attempt and vote is for democracy or dynasty.

The environment ministry is seen as having turned into a ‘clearance ministry’ instead of being a watchdog for green causes. Your view?


The environment ministry’s objectives are to ensure protection of both environment and development. Under this government, tree and forest cover has increased, 14 of the 52 tiger reserves have got international accreditation, 10 beaches are now designated blue flag ones, and 49 lakes are in the RAMSAR convention. We should be proud that under PM Modi’s leadership, India is one of the few nations that have achieved the targets under the Paris climate agreement. We also created three international alliances from International Solar Alliance to One Sun, One World, One Grid and took many more initiatives. The PM also gave the mantra for LIFE, lifestyle changes at COP 26. So, things should be seen in a larger view and prism.

But there is a controversy over the forest cover report…

The definition of forests is based on a 1996 judgement of the court which went by dictionary meaning. It is well-established that tree cover is also an important component. World over, private forests are also counted, and we have to encourage agro forestry in the country so that natural forest dependency is less.

What about the debate over India’s dependency on coal and fossil fuel?


Countries which raise it are also mostly those who are historically responsible for carbon emissions and have cornered all carbon space. The world must agree on both climate finance and technology transfer as they are essential for a level playing field. India is part of the solution, not part of the problem. Hence, we have also declared the net-zero target for 2070.

On Coal, we have said that the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibility should be followed according to national circumstances. India is already committed to maximising renewable energy, a hydrogen mission, use of green fuel but until we get there, we will need some thermal sources. It must be noted that poverty eradication and climate justice are interlinked. Without the former, we can’t achieve climate justice.

What is your ministry doing to address the air pollution problem?
For the Delhi-NCR, we have already set up a dedicated body, backed by law. Since we have come to power, there have been major changes in Delhi, the airshed has been identified, BS-IV to BS-VI shift has happened, industry is shifting to PNG, thermal power plants have been closed down, bio-compost has been scaled up in Delhi, Haryana, Punjab and UP and NTPC is working on stubble usage for bio-fuel. A lot of work has been done by the Commission on Air Quality Management and the situation is better than before but yes, more can definitely be done. The National Clean Air Programme is dedicated to other cities. We also seek public participation now to fight the challenge.

(Text by Anubhuti Vishnoi)