Shatrughan Gautam, the legislator from Kekri who won from the Bharatiya Janata Party, says that he has stopped wearing shoes and slippers since the day of the vote count. He stated that until the State Highway from Naseerabad to Deoli becomes a National Highway, he will roam barefoot. Gautam defeated Raghu Sharma, who was the Health Minister in the Congress government in Rajasthan. In an exclusive interview with The Daily Guardian, he expressed his views on issues related to regional development. The edited excerpts from the interview are presented:
Q: There has been talk since the meeting of the BJP legislative party that Kekri legislator Shatrughan Gautam is walking barefoot. What vow have you taken?
A: Look, the people of Kekri have blessed me. During the election campaign in Kekri, addressed by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, I took this vow in a meeting that if I win the election, I will make the State Highway from Naseerabad to Deoli a four-lane National Highway. I also said that until the foundation stone of this National Highway is laid, I will not wear shoes or slippers. So, on the evening of December 3, when I won and received the election certificate, I opened my shoes at that moment, and since then, I have been roaming barefoot. Hopefully, this National Highway will be built soon.
Q: Now there is a double-engine government. In this situation, when do you think your demand will be fulfilled?
A: The people of Rajasthan have shown confidence in the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and the foresighted thinking of national president JP Nadda, along with trust in our state leadership. Now, this double-engine government is in place. In this regard, I not only have hope but full confidence in our central leadership that Rajasthan will catch the pace of development multiple times. Also, the vision of Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari regarding roads is excellent. You see, where it used to take six hours to reach before, now a network of roads has been laid, and people are covering the distance in just four hours. Therefore, this demand will soon be conveyed to the central command, and the day is not far when the foundation stone of this National Highway will be laid.
Q: What benefits will be gained from the National Highway you are demanding?
A: Consider it assured that if this National Highway is built, it will give wings to the development of several districts, including Kekri. It will create immense possibilities for tourism from eastern Rajasthan to western Rajasthan. Currently, it takes about two and a half hours to cover the 96-kilometre distance of this state highway. After becoming a National Highway, this time will be reduced to about one and a half hours. About 66 crores are collected as tolls on the state highway. If this becomes a National Highway, this toll amount will be around 200 crores annually. This will recover the cost of the NHAI in just a few years. The journey to Jodhpur, Pali, Jalor, Barmer, Jaisalmer, and Bikaner will be easier with the construction of the highway. Also, the journey from Kota to Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh will take less time.
Q: Kekri has been a hot seat in this election. By defeating Raghur Sharma, you are reaching the assembly for the second time. How do you view this victory?
A: This victory is based on the trust of the people. I have had the opportunity to go to the assembly through the blessings of the people. Kekri was a hot seat, but I was fully confident of winning. The reason for this was that Raghu Sharma had messed up the administration of the entire area. His son was wandering as a minister. There was no work being done in the name of development. Every department was immersed in rampant corruption. Without giving money, no work was happening. In this situation, the public was completely fed up. By teaching Raghu Sharma a lesson, the public has chosen development this time. A vote has been given in the name of development, and this victory is the victory of the people.
Q: In this assembly, what issues will be raised first by you?
A: There are various problems in our region. Kekri residents are struggling with issues such as water, electricity, roads, and a shortage of teachers in schools. I have decided to bring every issue of my region to the assembly. Immediate solutions will be sought for every problem. I will work to provide clean and adequate drinking water to the people of the region and ensure full electricity for agriculture to farmers.”