This time, Jannayak Janata Party (JJP), which played a crucial role in forming the BJP government in Haryana in the previous elections, jumped into the fray of the Rajasthan assembly elections. Dushyant Chautala, who has reached the post of Deputy Chief Minister in Haryana with JJP, said that even in Rajasthan, the government cannot be formed without the Jannayak Janata Party and that they are still positive about the seat sharing with the BJP. In an exclusive interview with The Daily Guardian, Dushyant Chautala discussed the preparations and expectations of the JJP for the upcoming polls. Here is an edited excerpt from the interview:
Q: Rajasthan Assembly elections are approaching. How well-prepared is the JJP, and on how many seats are you planning to contest?
A: We are fully prepared to contest the Rajasthan assembly elections with Chaudhary Devi Lal’s ideologies. We have contested elections in Rajasthan before. We also have MLAs from Rajasthan. Our goal is to move forward with people associated with Chaudhary Devi Lal and expand the organisation. Under the guidance of Dr. Ajay Singh Chautala, we are working in Rajasthan. We plan to contest the elections strongly on 25 to 30 seats.
Q: The lists of BJP and Congress candidates have started coming out. However, the JJP has not yet released its list. When will this wait end?
A: We have completed our homework. The party’s first list will be released before 24 October. Dr Ajay Singh Chautala and our Parliamentary Board will select the candidates. Our candidates will certainly be the ones who will contest with strength and win.
Q: When you came to Rajasthan, it was believed that you would have a seat-sharing arrangement with the BJP as you are also a part of the NDA. So far, there has been no discussion about seat sharing. How do you see this?
A: There were discussions about tickets. We had also kept this issue within the NDA. I am still positive about seat sharing. If we contest together, certainly the election results will be better. It will be good for Rajasthan. We supported BJP candidates in Haryana as a partner of the NDA.
Q: You are saying that you gave strength to the BJP candidates in Haryana, but in Rajasthan, the BJP is not with you. If the BJP does not form a government because of your candidates, then they will question you.
A: We are giving tickets to candidates who will win the elections. In 2019, when we contested elections in Haryana, people said that we had come to split the votes. We contested 90 seats there. We won 10 seats and formed the government. We received 16% of the votes there. Chaudhary Devi Lal used to say that regional parties are essential because they address the issues of the region. Our target is to address the issues of the region and fight for them.
Q: You are talking about regional parties, but the dominance of regional parties in Rajasthan has not been seen to date. How will you succeed?
A: Partnership is very important in politics. Since we had 10 MLAs, we had a partnership with Haryana’s government. We worked for the youth and the elderly. Haryana is the only state where the bajra purchase is taking place. Until a villager learns to speak, development will not take place. I went to villages of 5 assembly constituencies in a week and saw the people’s desire for change. In this situation, JJP will get stronger. The lock of the Rajasthan assembly will open with the key of JJP.
Q: You are going to contest elections in Rajasthan. Parties come and make big promises. What promises will you make to the people, what will be your issues?
A: We believe in working. I recently visited the areas of Bharatpur Industrial Area, Kotputli, and Bhiwadi. Most factories do not employ the state’s youth. We have formulated a plan in Haryana to employ the youth in industries. This benefits the industry as well. Local people need to be skilled. This makes it easier for the industry to get manpower and costs less. Our primary issue will be this. The manifesto is in progress. Our manifesto will be released between 1 and 7 November. The Jannayak Janata Party will work for women, youth, farmers, and everyone.
Q: The biggest issue in Rajasthan is the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP). Politics is happening around it, protests are taking place. What is JJP’s stance on ERCP?
A: The party will decide how we will raise the issue of ERCP. Today, there is a shortage of water throughout the country. The next war in the world will also be for water. The Supreme Court has made a significant decision on the Satluj-Yamuna Link Canal. This work has stalled for the last four decades. We want the Punjab government to move forward on this. The day this work is completed, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi will receive water, and the water problem will be resolved. The groundwater level will increase here. We have seen that when Chaudhary Devi Lal became the CM for the first time, he sent water from Haryana to Rajasthan. This brought significant improvement in the Maru region’s conditions. The standard of living has improved wherever water has been supplied for agriculture worldwide.
Q: You are talking about the Maru region, but today, land in Rajasthan is being allotted to Adani in the name of green energy. Green trees are being cut there. This is creating a climate change issue. What are your thoughts on this?
A: Climate change is a topic that scientists can discuss in detail. But, I believe that we should not interfere with nature. We need to pay attention to wind and hydrogen energy. Temperature is rising in the Maru region, and this is a significant issue. There should be thorough research on this so that our environment remains safe.
Q: The situation of I.N.D.I.A Alliance is known to all. Parties are not giving attention. The same is happening with you; the BJP did not share any seats with you.
A: When the I.N.D.I.A Alliance was formed, and it was certain that only the name would remain before the elections. This situation has become clear in Madhya Pradesh. As far as seat sharing is concerned, national parties have their own perspectives. We had given our proposed seats to the BJP. If there is a positive response from them, we will work together. If there is no response, we will contest the elections with full strength.
Q: After the BJP, Congress lists were released, many leaders were upset. Will your doors be open to them?
A: So far, we have not contacted any leader or politician from the BJP or Congress, but our doors are open to anyone who can further our vision. If the candidate is a winner, they are welcome to join our party.