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INTERVIEW | Oppn against Modi’s vision: Shekhawat

Last Updated 23 April 2019, 07:15 IST

Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat is the candidate for the BJP from Jodhpur. Shekhawat, who has a strong RSS backing, is fighting against Vaibhav Gehlot of the Congress.

Excerpts of his interview with DH’s Tabeenah Anjum.

You won with the highest margin in Rajasthan from Jodhpur last year. Do you feel any difference in mood compared to the 2014 election?

There is a huge Modi wave. It feels like the people of Jodhpur are fighting in this election. Youngsters especially are excited about the polls. People have faith in Modi, they believe he can only keep nation safe. No one takes Rahul Gandhi seriously here.

Congress has fielded the chief minister’s son against you. Does that put you in a tight situation?

It feels I am fighting against the chief minister of Rajasthan. Vaibhav is just a symbol, he doesn’t remember the names of even five villages. He is still hanging on his father’s shoulders. The state machinery is being misused to bring us down and get the chief minister’s son elected.

There is a perception that in Jodhpur, the Congress is fighting against Modi, not you? Is there a Modi wave here? BJP lost 6 out of 8 seats in Jodhpur even after his visit.

That’s true, everywhere the fight is against Modi’s vision. But if we compare overall voting percentage (in those 6 seats), it wasn’t much.

You are known for your management skills. BJP once wanted you to be the state head. How are you managing here? Any new promises?

People are managing in Jodhpur. I don’t have to do anything here. I am receiving huge support from the crowd in my home turf. Drinking water is a huge issue here. The other issue is electricity in remote areas.

What about the caste equation?

I have an organic connect with voters cross communities. Hence, I don’t have to do any caste equations here. I am the most accessible politician. Anyone can call me.

Congress alleges that Jodhpur has been given a step-motherly treatment by the BJP because its Gehlot’s bastion?

We have a ‘do-for-all’ mentality, unlike the Congress, which taps its voters before announcing any benefit. As far as allegations go, there are allegations against Gehlotji for giving a step-motherly treatment to Jhalawar.

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(Published 23 April 2019, 03:49 IST)

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