INTERVIEW | Vote will be for Brand Modi: Javadekar

With Rajasthan going to Lok Sabha polls in two phases on April 29 and May 6, the election in-charge of BJP and Union Minister Prakash Javadekar is leaving no stone unturned to create history by winning all 25 seats once again. In a chat with Tabeenah Anjum of DH, he exuded confidence of scoring all seats despite having lost the recent assembly elections in December 2018.

You have been election in-charge of Rajasthan during assembly polls and now as well. What are the challenges you face after BJP's loss in assembly polls?

Just because BJP couldn't form government after assembly polls does not mean that Lok Sabha polls will be difficult for us. If we evaluate in numbers, BJP lost the election by just 1.5 lakh votes or just three votes in 50,000 polling booths across the state. Every election is different and people think differently during assembly and parliamentary elections.

What are the issues this election? What is your party's poll plank?

Firstly, voters will keep in mind the prime ministerial face and at present there is no better candidate than Narendra Modi. Secondly, after seeing PM Modi fighting against terrorism either through air strikes or surgical strike, voters are convinced that Modi can keep the country safe. Post 2008 Mumbai terror attack, the defence forces sought the then PM Manmohan Singh's permission to attack Pakistan's terror base but were denied consent. Hence, people know the difference. Thirdly, people will vote for development under BJP rule.

What prompted BJP to ally with Jat leader Hanuman Beniwal, an open critic of former party CM Vasundhara Raje?

His party scored 10 lakh votes in the assembly polls, which proves that he has an influence in his region. Also, he believes that Modi should be PM again and with this aim joined hands with our party. As election in-charge, I take feedback from all, including Raje.

How do you rate ruling Congress as an opponent especially after their farm loan waiver and unemployment dole?

We don't feel there is any opposition at all. Congress is a divided camp whose last four months in power has been a big flop. None of their poll promises have been fulfilled. No nationalised bank is extending loan. They are also not cooperating with the Central government for launching Modi's scheme for farmers, which assures Rs 6,000 a month.

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot says If Narendra Modi comes to power once again, next Lok Sabha polls will not happen?

Modi came to power in 2014 and elections are taking place on time in 2019. Elections will again take place in 2024 and 2029 but Congress will be nowhere.

In last Lok Sabha polls, BJP won all 25 seats but lost two in 2018 bypolls. How many seats are you eyeing this time?

We have stopped counting. We know we are headed towards victory in all 25 seats.