Raje will always remain leader and mentor to me: Diya

A member of the erstwhile royal family of Jaipur, Diya Kumari started her journey from the palace to politics six years ago when she joined BJP.

After completion a successful tenure as the MLA of Sawai Madhopur, she is now contesting the Lok Sabha elections from Rajsamand, one of the new Lok Sabha constituencies.

Excerpts of her interview with DH's Tabeenah Anjum.

After serving as the Sawai Madhopur MLA, you are now contesting for MP elections from a different constituency. What are the challenges?

It was truly an amazing experience to have been the MLA for the people of Sawai Madhopur. The added challenge in this election is that the constituency for Lok Sabha is much bigger, both in area and the number of people to be served.

The Rajsamand Lok Sabha constituency has 8 Assembly constituencies under it. The challenges, people's expectations are all of a larger dimension.

This is a new constituency, formed in 2008. A lot has to be done in terms of development. How will you make a difference? What are your election goals?

Yes, this is a new constituency and very large one at that. I intend to work with full dedication and give my full commitment to fulfil these election promises.

My election goal is very basic and simple. I intend to serve the people of my constituency. I am a strong believer in 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas'.

The core areas for development of the Rajsamand constituency will be tourism infrastructure; broad-gauge railway connectivity; better road connectivity; creating employment opportunities through new tourism and other projects, including ensuring that the pending works of Krishna Tourism Circuit are completed; increasing the opportunities for young women and men to develop employable skills by setting up institutes of higher education; skill-development centres; army recruitment camps; attracting domestic and international private sector investment to the region.

Your name was announced much later. There is speculation that former chief minister Vasundhara Raje was against your candidature. What do you have to say about that?

I have said this repeatedly: it was Vasundhara Rajeji who brought me into politics. I am grateful to her that I was given this opportunity. She will always remain a leader and mentor to me. There is no truth in people saying she was against my candidature.

What about the royal family of Mewar? Have they accepted you?

Accepted me? They have never been against me. I am related to the royal family of Mewar. I only began my campaigning in the constituency after seeking and receiving their blessings.

What is the response of people of Rajsamand?

The unending warmth and support I receive from the people of Rajsamand is absolutely amazing and overwhelming — it is both touching and humbling.

Any threats or challenges? What is your USP (unique selling proposition)?

My USP is my sincerity and complete dedication to work tirelessly and with a clean heart for the people and for the betterment of the region.

How has your journey from palace to politics been so far?

Well, my journey has been very interesting and fulfilling. My family, throughout history, has always focused on serving the people, my parents have instilled in me that it is our duty to serve the society. My overriding aim is to serve the people, and politics is the way I found to truly make a difference.