‘The goverment [knows] this is a conspiracy to frame Devyani’

Uttam Khobragade, father of diplomat Devyani Khobragade, says he will contest the upcoming Lok Sabha polls

Q Don’t you think you are interfering too much in your daughter’s case?

A I am not so powerful as to dictate to the Central Government a path for my daughter’s growth. She has worked hard to be where she is. She has not needed any props for her growth. And she has not been even remotely connected to this so-called visa fraud. That is why her case needs no interference. But I am her father, so obviously I’ll do what I can.

Q Mayawati says since Devyani is a Dalit, the Centre was slow in reacting to her case.

A This is wrong. The caste angle should never have come in. She is a diplomat and diplomats are not [appointed] on the basis of their caste. An angle which was never there should never have been brought in.

Q How have you felt about this case?

A It is a trauma but I never felt helplessness during this entire incident. The entire nation is with us. I am moved by their support. The events and counter events happened fast. When you are confident that there will be a logical end to it, there is never a sense of helplessness. The Government is fully convinced that this is a conspiracy to frame Devyani.

Q Who do you think is behind this conspiracy?

A I do not know who is behind this. But I know this is a conspiracy.

Q What is your view of Devyani’s domestic help, Sangeeta Richard?

A The case is now with the police. It depends on how they want to proceed with it. It is for the Government to take the case forward. They have said so. It is a false case and the charges against my daughter are false. It is for the Government to see that the charges against her are dropped.

Q How has Devyani taken it all?

A She is tough. She is my alter ego. My daughter is a very bold person who is not easily intimidated. Right now she’s an anguished mother waiting for her children to come to India.

Q Did you get a feeling that journalists in India do not want to get on the wrong side of the United States in this case?

A (Laughs) This I cannot comment on.

Q Political parties have approached you and the Samajwadi Party wants to give you a ticket for the Lok Sabha elections…

A Political parties have not approached me. They have been openly supporting me during the entire crisis. I am definitely politically inclined. I am keen on entering electoral politics. If a political party gives me a ticket, I will definitely contest. Politics needs focused people.

Q So you will join politics?

A Wait and watch… watch and wait.

Q Do you have a particular constituency in mind?

A All of you will come to know at an appropriate time.

Q Will it be for the forthcoming General Election?

A Yes, I will contest the Lok Sabha elections.

About The Author

Haima Deshpande