As the 200-member Legislative Assembly election in Rajasthan approaches on November 25, political leaders are actively shaping public opinion. Two-time MP Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, who is also fighting the election in the state as an MLA this time, shared his insights on the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) chances in an exclusive interview with NewsX. Here are excerpts from the interview:
Q: With the state elections nearing, how do you assess the BJP’s chances of defeating the incumbent Congress?
A: Having traveled extensively across Rajasthan for campaigning, I’ve observed that the people are confident of a BJP victory. There is widespread disappointment with the ruling Congress, led by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot. Given this sentiment, the BJP is poised to form the next government in the state. Public of the state know very well that the double engine government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make the desert state a developed one. On the other hand, BJP has always raised the local issues prominently from time to time. In such a scenario, everything positive is coming in the favour of the BJP. People of the state are showing lots of fervour and actually, they are showing this in favour of the saffron party. We have also the image and power of PM Modi.
Q: The Congress claims it will form the next government, citing its developmental work. What is your take on this?
A: The Congress often boasts about its achievements, but the reality tells a different story. After five years of their governance, people have come to realize that they have been let down. Corruption has permeated every level of the government. The ruling party failed to take decisive action in cases like the paper leak. Promised initiatives, such as waiving farmers’ debts and fulfilling electricity supply commitments from the previous elections, were not carried out. The government has displayed a lack of effective governance across the board.
Q: How do you see Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s influence this time?
A: There is no doubt that he is the foremost leader of the party and the nation. The people of Rajasthan and the country have immense faith in him, given his significant accomplishments during over nine years in government. His leadership shone through during the Covid pandemic.
Q: How do you find the difference between fighting an MP and an MLA election?
A: There are lots of differences between fighting an MP and an MLA election. When you are fighting an MLA polls, you get opportunity to interact with the local people and you feel their pulse very well and this is not possible when you are fighting an MP election.
