A crusader of the BJP in state. He has been on the campaign trail over the month in Palamau and outside too. The Garhwa Post's Editor-In-Chief Anuj K.Tiwari, caught up with him after poll gets over last week to talk about the core issues in the election at Palamau Lok Sabha. Excerpts of the interview.
Photo; Shyam Narayan Dubey
What are you doing these days? Tell us something about your political accomplishments.
You see! I do not hold much portfolios neither in government, nor within party. But, yes - I am one of the members of [Twenty Point Programme] which was initially started by then Prime Minister in 1975 and was subsequently restructured in 1982, 1986 and so on.. The objective of the 20-Point Programme is to eradicate poverty and to improve the quality of life of the poor and the under privileged population. It has to cover various Socio-economic aspects like poverty, employment, education, housing, health, agriculture and land reforms, irrigation, drinking water, protection and empowerment of weaker sections, consumer protection, environment etc. So – I am trying to work within the ambit of what have been listed into and at very extent we did it as well, but the game is not yet over and we have to do more in order to improve the living standard of our people across. I have never been opportunistic in my entire political career and too fought election thrice from Garhwa MLA constituency, but not succeeded, because of Lalu Yadav's regime. He used to position officials of his own choice, who have supported them during that time. Elections were held on Ballot papers at that time and Lalu and his supporters were conveniently exploited those situations, and subsequently I had to return back notwithstanding the overwhelming supports from people across all sections. Anyway that was past, present is little changed and transparency has got it place due to technology and innovation. Sometime – I think, if I am being given a chance these days will sure win the battle.
How do you assess the BJP's position in the state, workers seem to be annoyed with leaderships in state and centre as well?
Firstly I will speak truth only – as far as party is concerned that it is not upto the satisfaction in recent times, but we have to keep pace that it should do well. Party position is weakening with passage of time in the state which must be looked into seriously otherwise party will have to suffer in upcoming assembly election. The workers are not happy and are deeply unsatisfied with the opted way that state leadership and government have chosen its paths. I am, since acquaintance with ground workers, who often grumbled about the representatives such as MLAs, Ministers of the state. Though, I am hopeful that things will improve soon. Let see when its value appear broadly.
Workers don't anticipate much, rather - they need respect from leaders to whom they have supported in coming to power. Ironically, it is not happening these days and they [workers] felt cheated themselves. I would appeal to our political brasses, who have to fight election, please listen to them [workers] and give them respect at least; else it is going to cost you dear in near future. Despite all odds – BJP is the best party amongst which value its carder by and large.
What is your views/assessment on the MP election which has just finished? How would you see VD Ram's tenure and why he was disliked by party leaders in Palamau? Do you realise backstabbing by some BJP's stalwarts?
I am quite positive about Vishnu ji's candidature from Palamau Lok Sabha seat, at the same time I wouldn't deny backstabbing that few people did against him. Candidly – Satendra Tiwari, MLA from Garhwa, who openly supported opposition's candidate Ghuran Ram. There is report that [MLA Garhwa] funded Ghuran Ram and also did a little damage to party with marginal votes, which is not good sign for the party and workers. Just before the election – Prabhat Kumar was inducted into BJP by few other likeminded politicians [Anand Shankar] of the party to ensure VD Ram candidature should go off. Fortunately, it didn't work.
Vishnu ji is a very nice guy, not sure why there were so many opponents behind him. One thing that even I am trying to understand why people are annoyed with him, though he has visited the most places in the constituency. Palamau is a big constituency, which has more than 3000 panchyats, and its really difficult to visit within short time. And I am hopeful he [VD Ram] will learn from his past and move forward with noble motives in days to come. As people of this place have again trusted in his leadership and blessed with thumping votes, particularly women, whose turnouts have been drastically reported. But – I am afraid this support will continue for the state government which is due by end of this year. There is a sense that party will not get support what was witnessed in last state election, for the first time party has got massive support from people and I am not optimistic about its repeat. So, the leadership must check people's nerve and do the needful, which is to be done in democracy. Leaders of the day consider themselves superior over publics which may cost them, aspirations of common men should carry priority in democracy which is unfortunately not being witnessed.
You are being considered as 'Bhishma Pitamah' how do you see yourself as resemblances to it?
Indeed, Bhishma was a great character and I don't think that anywhere I am resembles to that. While, I respect the people sentiments, if they say so; and I am overwhelmed by populace remark being talked about. Though, I am not worthy of it, as I do not carry single out of his seven untold truths that Bhishma was carrying. However, I can try to balance my gesture to be of that 'after knowing it'. We all know that he [Bhishma] has taken couple of difficult vows, but there are few other stories which are equally mesmerising. So, I had too my difficult times and that generally comes in each individual. After losing elections after elections, I didn't look towards any other parties. There was a time, when Inder Singh Namdhari broke party, and there was feeling the BJP will no longer survive in state even. But, I didn't blow in force and stay stronger than ever with party. I was, and am doing politics over issues related to public sentiments and cannot think of going beyond in any circumstances. As, I think people's problems should be ours and the same have to be resolved at any cost, unfortunately in today's it is missing and their representatives first bagged their pockets, and ignore the realism which is very sad.
Would you contest the upcoming assembly election, if yes from which constituency do you prefer for the polls?
First of all – I don't have any political desire at this stage. Since, people come to me with bundles of their hope and request me to contest. However, I wouldn't ask for ticket, nor can lobby for it. If party thinks that I should be given an opportunity for it. Then, I am willing to accept the challenge from my own constituency which is none other than Garhwa Vidhan Sabha. This, I am saying so since people prefer me over others. There are many people come and suggest me to contest, and I also feel that justice must be done with them.
In past – I was never defeated. It was Lalu Yadav's eco-system that had defeated me. People of the constituency had given lot of love, and still they have fondness for me; that's why I think that I should go for poll in upcoming assembly poll.
