Exclusive Interview:
Virat Kant on Carrying Forward his Grandfather Krishan Kant’s Vision through the BJP
By Mahendra Kr. Sharma
NEW DELHI / CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always had a keen eye for transformative talent, and in Virat Kant, he seems to have found his next major youth icon. Much like the rise of Tejasvi Surya in the South, Virat Kant is emerging as a vibrant, high-energy face for the BJP—this time, bringing the heart of Punjab into the national fold.
But Virat is more than just a fresh face; he is a carrier of a legendary nationalist DNA. As the grandson of the late Krishan Kant, former Vice President of India and a hero of the anti-Emergency movement, and the great-grandson of Lala Achint Ram—the legendary "Gandhi of Punjab" and a member of the Constituent Assembly—Virat represents a bridge between India’s foundational values and its future aspirations.
While his roots are deep in Punjab, his appeal is Pan-India. By choosing the BJP over established regional players, Virat has signaled a shift in the political winds. He isn't just joining a party; he is bringing a storied legacy of "Nation First" into the modern era. With his background as a lawyer and his deep commitment to agricultural reform, many see him as the vibrant, intellectual, and nationalist voice the BJP has been looking for to resonate with the youth from Chandigarh to Chennai.
In this exclusive interview, we sit down with the man being hailed as the BJP’s new vanguard to discuss his meeting with PM Modi, his roadmap for Punjab, and how he plans to carry his family’s towering legacy into the 21st century.
THE INTERVIEW
Q1: Your entry into politics is rooted in a profound family legacy. How do you personally define the political inheritance you carry, and what specific values guide you today?
Virat Kant: I am deeply grateful for the lineage I come from, but I view it more as a responsibility than a privilege. My family has spent generations serving the nation; that spirit of service is my true inheritance. For me, it isn’t about political status or titles—it is about a legacy of public service, integrity, and an unshakable commitment to the welfare of society. Those are the values that guide my compass every single day.
Q2: Your grandfather, Krishan Kant, was a pivotal figure in the 1970s and often took firm stands within the Janata Party era. How do you reconcile that history with your choice to join the BJP?
Virat Kant: I hold my grandfather in the highest respect. He was a man of immense courage who stood for what he believed was right within his specific historical context. However, I believe every generation has a duty to make choices based on contemporary realities. My decision to join the BJP is not a departure from his ideals, but an evolution. I am staying rooted in his principles of honesty and nationalism while choosing the most effective platform to serve India’s current needs.
Q3: You joined the BJP after a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Can you describe that meeting and the advice he shared with you?
Virat Kant: While many know of that meeting, few realize I have been a supporter of the ABVP since my college days. Meeting the Hon’ble Prime Minister was a transformative experience. I was struck by his humility; he warmly asked about my family’s well-being and spoke passionately about youth participation in nation-building. His key advice was: "With trust comes great responsibility." His simplicity and vision for a developed India left a lasting impact on me.
Q4: Beyond the famous name, who is Virat Kant the individual?
Virat Kant: I am a lawyer by profession with a background in commerce, having studied at Delhi University and Panjab University. Beyond the law, my heart lies in agriculture. I am actively working toward the upliftment of our farming community, focusing on empowering Indian farmers to compete and win on the global stage.
Q5: The BJP is currently building its narrative in Punjab. Why choose the BJP over parties with perhaps "easier" routes to power in the state?
Virat Kant: I chose the BJP because it offers a clear, uncompromising vision for nation-building and inclusive development. Public service isn't about choosing the easiest path; it’s about the right path. Punjab is at a crossroads and requires decisive leadership. Only a BJP-led government can restore the state’s progress. Under PM Modi’s leadership, I see the potential to finally realize the "Rangla Punjab" we have all envisioned.
Q6: What is your assessment of the current AAP government’s performance in Punjab regarding debt, corruption, and the drug menace?
Virat Kant: The reality on the ground is disappointing. They promised a debt-free Punjab, yet debt is spiraling. They promised zero corruption, yet we see questions being raised about transparency in land acquisitions. Most tragically, the drug menace has penetrated deeper into our households. The current administration has fallen far short of its promises, and the weakening of law and order is felt by every Punjabi family.
Q7: Punjab faces structural hurdles. What are the three most fundamental issues you see, and how should we begin to fix them?
Virat Kant: 1. Fiscal Health: We need to move from populist spending to asset creation. 2. Agricultural Stagnation: Shifting toward high-value, sustainable crops while ensuring income security. 3. Industrial Flight: Restoring investor confidence to bring back manufacturing and create local jobs for our youth.