‘When we contest, we fight for all. If any polarisation, it may be an organic reaction’: BJP Nathdwara candidate

* So you think your lineage is an advantage?

There is a strong bond (between the royal family and the people). This sentiment brings about a feeling of trust, which is often lacking in politics. So yes…

* It is believed the BJP has fielded you just keeping your lineage in mind and not performance.

The question implies that lineage does not guarantee a good performance. I strongly disagree with this. I understand that the people wanted me and hence the party chose me.

* You have been attacking Joshi. What is your promise for the Nathdwara electorate?

I am not making any personal comments against the Congress candidate. It is the general impression about the Congress here. I bring to the table what the BJP has achieved and what it hopes to in the future. Some of the key issues where I will put in my sincere efforts are increasing payments to farmers and to curb the rising price of petrol, which is the most expensive in the state.

* The Congress is banking on its welfare policies to win. How do you plan to counter it?

I disagree that the Congress has rolled out welfare policies. For four-and-a-half years, they have been squabbling over who is going to be chief minister. Announcements made over the past few months have been done keeping the upcoming elections in mind. Administratively, I do not think any of these decisions were wise. On the one hand, they are decreasing the price of LPG cylinders, but are hiking petrol prices. This is like taking money from the right pocket and keeping it in the left.

* The BJP’s constant reference to the killing of Kanhaiya Lal, which occurred in your city, is seen as a bid to polarise voters.

I don’t want to comment on whether the incident is being used to polarise voters on communal lines. When we contest elections, we fight for all communities. If there has been any polarisation, it may be an organic reaction to the incident and not the result of someone’s deliberate attempt. Also, there is no accountability regarding crimes against women in the state. The government relief in the Kanhaiya Lal case came very late and was not equal to what was given in Jaipur (in case of another killing). I don’t think things are being handled in a fair manner.

* You were seen as a recluse. Why this plunge into public life?

I see no reason in publicising what I do in my personal life. When it comes to politics, it is about doing something constructive and for people’s benefit. There is an appropriate time for everything. This was the time when I got an opportunity and I thought it would be correct of me to take it up.