With blessings from my family, I will take the step into politics: Businessman Robert Vadra

Speaking to ANI in an exclusive interview on Monday, Vadra emphasised that his connection to politics has largely been due to his association with the Gandhi family. However, he stated that over the years, multiple political parties have tried to pull him into political discussions, often using his name as a distraction during elections or other issues.

"My association with politics is only because I am a member of the Gandhi family. But I will also say that in the last many years, many parties have used my name and always pulled me into politics by default because every time there's an election, they remember my name. Every time they have an issue that they want to digress from, they remember my name," Vadra said, adding that it has often felt like a political witch hunt and vendetta.

He noted that his family, particularly his wife, Priyanka and brother-in-law, Rahul Gandhi, has been a great source of learning, and they actively participate in Parliament.

"I always said that I would like Priyanka to be in Parliament first, and now she is, and she's working very hard. I see how much I've learnt from her and from Rahul and everybody in the family," he added.

Vadra emphasised that if the Congress party decides he should join politics, he would take that step, understanding the need for more voices in Parliament to fight divisive forces and work toward keeping the country secular.

"So I feel that, with the blessings of my family and if the Congress feels that I should be in politics, I will take that step. They know I have a lot of understanding of what's happening on the ground and what change is required," Vadra said.

In addition, Vadra also commented on the recent arrest of fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi in Belgium. He termed the arrest a "very big thing for the country" but stressed that while the arrest is important, the focus should now shift to recovering the stolen money and ensuring the people affected by the financial fraud are compensated.

"It is a very big thing for the country. Arresting is a different thing, but it is important that the money of the people who have been wronged should be recovered, and the government should think about it. Nirav Modi and other people should also be brought back, and the government should ensure that the losses of the people are taken care of," Vadra said.

Mehul Choksi was arrested in Belgium on Saturday after local authorities confirmed his presence in the country. The 65-year-old fugitive diamond merchant who left India on January 2, 2018, is wanted by the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for allegedly defrauding the PNB of Rs 13,850 crore. His nephew, Nirav Modi, was also involved with him in the fraud.