‘My mother is not in the race for CM’s post’

There are talks about differences between your mother and father and that she can be the next chief minister of Punjab if the Congress comes to power.

I don't want to comment on family issues; my private life is my private affair. As for the propaganda about my mother being in race for the post of chief minister, it is being orchestrated by the Akalis. My mother is the Minister of State for External Affairs in the Union government and has never wanted to become the CM — not in the past, not in the future. My father is leading the election battle as the president of Punjab Congress and is rightfully the best candidate for the post of CM.

Your candidature from Samana has evoked a strong reaction. The Patiala royal family stands divided as your uncle Malvinder Singh has defected to the SAD and vowed to ensure your defeat. He alleges that his candidature was denied at the insistence of your mother, Preneet Kaur.

I don't want to comment on my uncle. As the president of the National Rifle Association of India I have been busy preparing the shooting team for London Olympics. Already, nine shooters have qualified and another five are likely to make it to the list. But all this while, my political leanings were intact. I did not talk about it till much later to my father. I then applied for a ticket but left the name of seat blank as I was ready to be pitted against anyone from anywhere. Hence, when my name was decided for Samana, I accepted it.

The selection of candidates by the Congress has led to charges of dynastic politics, you being the most visible face of it.

I see it as an issue of winnability. Even if 14-15 candidates boast of political lineage, there are over 90 per cent who do not belong to any political family. And those 14-15 candidates, too, are the ones with bright chances of winning elections. I am not in politics for the trappings of power, red beacon cars or security. I never had any security even when my father was the CM.

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