What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
India’s general elections are to reach its phase 2, scheduled on April 26, the next crucial state is going to be Rajasthan. The New Indian team reached the Jhalawar-Baran constituency of Lok Sabha BJP MP, Dushyant Singh. The proud alumnus of Doon School, has been elected for four terms, each time with an increased majority from the region. Son of former chief minister of Rajasthan, Vasundhra Raje has won his very first election and was elected as a Member of Parliament in the year 2004. Against him this time is Urmila Jain Bhaya , the wife of former Rajasthan minister Pramod Jain Bhaya, Bhaya’s candidacy represents Congress’ attempt to challenge BJP’s dominance in the region, aiming to halt Singh’s winning streak.
In 2009 despite a congress wave, Singh won his second Lok Sabha Election. Over this period of time, Singh helped bring development to his region with the improved roads, better citywide infrastructure, and good governance. During his tenure he helped in establishing railways and even the Kolana Airport of Jhalawar. In an interview with The New Indian’s Executive Editor Rohan Dua, Dushyant Singh discusses the impression of the elections he has for this time and says he wants to remain a party worker. Excerpts:
Rohan Dua: Since 2003 until 2019, when you won your Lok Sabha election, your mother was a CM barring 2009, how difficult or easy is it to fight this time without her in the saddle? And was it like to win it four times.
Dushyant: My mother and I are the party members, and as a member, I am fortunate to attain this opportunity for the fifth term. Our party is massive and was made with the efforts of its members. My mother was given the opportunity because of the voice of the public. At first, she won with 122 seats, becoming the first CM of the state; for the second term, she got more than 160 seats. It’s a cadre-based party; previously, in 2009 as well, she wasn’t the CM, but the party cadre made us win. This is not a one-day relationship; it has been made for 35 years, and the next winner will be our Jarawad family, and my mother is also a member of this family.
Rohan Dua: When we were touring Rajasthan, we found the Har Ghar Jal Yojana clicking with people among the most talked about schemes. What are the other development plans that you believe are important to bring here after you have brought train service and water to households?
Dushyant: We are to bring the Mumbai-Delhi connectivity route here, as infrastructure is the demand of all and should reach the poor and middle class.
Rohan Dua: In Rajasthan, the CM Bhajan Lal Sharma is a brahmin, the election incharge is Vinay Sahastrabuddhe brahmin, and Rajasthan BJP unit chief CP Joshi is a brahmin. Do you feel that the brahmins have waned away the building power that Rajput once had in this state?
Dushyant: I can’t answer that because I belong to all communities and identify myself as a ‘36 kaum ka vyakti’ . I respect all religions and want to sustain that in my constituency.
Rohan Dua: What is your take on the pertaining question that, since Jyotiraditya Sindhia has become the Union Minister, you will also become one?
Dushyant: I only want to say that this is not my choice; it is the choice of our PM. He will decide that.
To lighten the mood of the interview Dushyant Singh also played a rapid fire round and aims to dedicate his success to the PM and then his party cadre which includes his mother if he wins again.
Rohant Dua: Dal Bati Churma/Bhuna Kukkad/Laal Maans?
Dushyant: I am a vegetarian, hence Dal Bati Churma
Rohan Dua: Going to Doon School again or becoming a father again?
Dushyant: I want to go back to learning again.
Rohan Dua: Seeing mother being the CM again/ Becoming Union Minister/ Becoming Party president?
Dushyant: I want to be a party worker.
Rohan Dua: Whom will you dedicate your success to if you win the election again? Your mother or PM?
Dushyant: Definitely to the PM but with him I will also give it to all the party workers, the 20 lakh 20 thousand voters which includes my mother.
Rohan Dua: Does it still hurt that your mother could not be a CM?
