It is easy to uproot railway tracks and block roads,but politics different,surer way

To tell you the truth,I am not so keen on politics. It was the Gurjjar community which compelled me to join politics. Because they and I realised that after two long-drawn agitations,which left more than 70 dead,the movement and negotiations have stagnated and we found ourselves stranded.

•So youd rather prefer being a social leader?

There is nothing in this country as potent as politics. It is only the political key which opens all doors,and in order to seek mileage in the long run,it is mandatory to enter politics. For example,any political voice supporting us during the agitation would have made a difference.

•You will have to do it yourself?

Everybody let us down leaders,MLAs and even MPs. As someone has said,You can fool some people all the time,all the people sometimes,but not all the people all the time.

•But talk of pressure from the BJP is doing the rounds even in the Gurjjar community.

(Laughs) I believe it was in Julius Caesar that Shakespeare wrote,Not that I loved Caesar less,but that I loved Rome more. So,I am doing this for the community and their betterment,and nothing will come in my way. I will take this matter to Parliament one way or the other,and I will ensure the 2010 reservation review takes place.

•Even if this means another agitation,perhaps on Janpath in New Delhi?

I am trying to do the right thing here by joining politics. I have learnt from my past mistakes,and guarantee that I will not make them again. But my resolve to take this matter to Parliament is firm. It is easy to uproot railway tracks and block roads; but politics is different and is the surer method.

•The bridge between the Gurjjars and Meenas has widened considerably and there seems little hope of bringing the two communities together again.

I am not against the Meenas in any way. I am ready to reconcile with the Meena community because it is very important for the existence of both communities. In fact,let Namo Narain Meena (Bainslas Congress rival in Sawaimadhopur-Tonk) agree to withdraw from the fray and make way for another candidate,and I will gladly and readily do the same.

•You are willing to take such steps?

After all,Namo Narain Meena and I are caged animals working under the gaze of the ringmasters. If we can achieve peace and harmony our own way,then so be it.

•What about the Gurjjar community now,there is still a lot of resentment and anger?

It is only natural. The Bill granting reservation was passed unanimously in the Rajasthan Assembly,but the Governor is yet to sign it. We were promised something in June last year,which is yet to bear fruit.

•But the community has become more aware? They realise the importance of their vote now?

Yes,we learnt our lesson from the Assembly elections,where the Gurjjar vote almost became invalid. But my candidature has sent the right message across the state. I do believe Gurjjars will vote in larger numbers and more intelligently this time around.

•There are members of the community,particularly in Dausa,who have threatened to convert to Islam or Christianity,if their demands are not met. What would you say about this?

Convert their faith? I do not believe

they would do such a thing. But still it is possible as the resentment has only grown and the younger generations who are unemployed in large numbers have little options open to them. This fact has only strengthened my resolve. I may win,I may not win,but the reservation review will happen at any cost.

•What about Qammar Rabbani Chechi who has come from Kashmir to contest from Dausa for the Gurjjar cause?

He is a Gurjjar and,therefore,has my support.