Vijaya Rahatkar, well-known as ‘Tai’ in the Bharatiya Janata Party, the state in-charge and national secretary, shared her thoughts on elections in an exclusive interview with The Daily Guardian. She stated that Muslims are benefiting the most from the Center’s plans. This is the essence of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,’ which Prime Minister Narendra Modi is working on. Excerpts:
Q: You have been leading Eastern Rajasthan these days. Speaking of the home district of the CM, Jodhpur, what is the situation for the BJP there?
A: Look, there is a wave of BJP across Rajasthan. If I talk about Eastern Rajasthan and especially CM Gehlot’s home district, Jodhpur, we will win a good number of seats here. This is the stronghold of the CM, but just being a stronghold is not enough. People don’t just want promises, they want to see work. Congress has not done any work on the main issues in the state, that are, women’s harassment, unemployment, and law and order, leading to dissatisfaction among the people. We will win this seat with a two-thirds majority.
Q: BJP is accused of not giving tickets to Muslims. Even prominent leaders and candidates are openly making statements against the Muslim community. Is the BJP neglecting the Muslim community?
A: It is not correct to say that BJP is neglecting any community. It is not proven whether the BJP is angry with or neglecting any community based on whether it gives tickets or not. The most benefit from the welfare schemes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to the Muslims of our country. This is the essence of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.’ When I talk about Congress rule, at that time the situation of the country’s Muslims was pitiable, however, today there is a huge difference. For those who need it, the BJP is working for them, including Muslims. The Muslim community knows who is working for them. Modi Ji has done a lot for them in 9 years.
Q: Today, many leaders like Kailash Meghwal, Yunus Khan, and Chandra Bhan Akya are contesting elections as BJP rebels. How much trouble is increasing for the BJP?
A: Ticket distribution has been done very thoughtfully. Kailash Meghwal Ji has been a senior leader of our party. But, everyone needs to stay within the discipline of the party and accept the party’s decision. Some people have not accepted that decision. But, you will see on December 3, we will win those seats where rebels are standing.
Q: In the speeches of BJP leaders, today only nationalism and Hindutva are heard. Has development become secondary to these two issues?
A: Development is our top priority, and BJP has done a lot of work on development. Our first focus is on development, which has been done in Rajasthan through the central government. As far as nationalism and Hindutva are concerned, these are also major issues, and it is necessary to discuss them. In BJP’s manifesto, we have talked about development and set the agenda for Rajasthan’s development.
Q: Congress’s manifesto seems more appealing than BJP’s. It seems that Congress has reached the issues of the public more. What do you think?
A: Talking about the election manifesto, our resolution is very clear. What we have promised will be fulfilled. Even before today, when elections have taken place, you will see those election manifestos, and you will find that we have fulfilled our promises. Congress promised loan waivers for farmers in the last election, which has not been fulfilled to date. Neither has Congress provided security to women nor unemployment allowance. Congress’s election manifesto is tempting, but the promises will not be fulfilled. Whereas what Modi Ji says, he does. We are witnessing it directly.
Q: BJP has promised to provide cylinders at Rs 450 under the Ujjwala scheme. Congress is saying that if there is a BJP government at the centre, why is this scheme not implemented across the country?
A: It is wrong to ask Congress this question. BJP will fulfil what is necessary. In this regard, we are providing a discount on cylinders for Rajasthan’s needs. What we are doing is related to the promises we have made. The announcement has been made to increase the farmer honorarium to Rs 12,000 because we were giving Rs 6,000 earlier. In this way, we will fulfil our promise by increasing this amount. But, the question is, what has Congress done? Congress should think about why people who were with them are leaving.
Q: Many leaders from Congress have come to BJP, but most are not actively campaigning for BJP. On the other hand, will those who left the BJP come back if the party needs them at the time of government formation?
A: Whether the rebel leaders will come to the party or not is not the subject now. Today, we are fighting for victory. As for those leaders who are coming to BJP, I want to say that other party leaders feel that this is a party that works.
BJP fulfils the promises it makes. Many leaders from other parties want to come to BJP. Most leaders are working together in the party. Right-hand man Rameshwar Dadhich of CM Gehlot in Jodhpur has come to BJP. He will be seen working for the party all the time. Congress should think about why people who were with them are leaving.
