“Where has Dr Raman Singh disappeared?” In the last four years, this question often cropped up during conversations in Delhi. There was virtually no sign of the man who ruled Chhattisgarh from 2003 to 2018. Singh is back in the limelight again after being fielded from his home turf Rajnandgaon, which votes in the first phase on November 7. Many of Singh’s ministerial colleagues who he had retained during his three terms in office have also been given tickets. Though party insiders are not so sure, for many in Rajnandgaon, it is a sign that he could well be the party’s choice for CM if it is elected to power this time as there is no other “chehra (face)” in the BJP to match him. Soft-spoken and not pushy, Raman Singh, whose house in Sun City in Rajnandgaon is suddenly bustling with activity, answered questions on a host of subjects during an interview. Excerpts: Who will be the CM if the BJP comes to power? Raman Singh: It is the party that has to decide. We will have a meeting of the BJP in the Vidhan Sabha. The same thing happened in 2003, 2008, and 2013. What about you? Raman Singh: If the party gives me a chance inkar nahin hai (I won’t refuse). But from my side, agreh (bhi) nahin hai(I am not actively seeking it either). Many of your people have been given tickets and this has led to speculation that you might be… Raman Singh: The tickets have been given on merit and not at my suggestion This time, it is said that the BJP does not have a clear agenda to fight the Congress in Chhattisgarh? Raman Singh: There are all the promises made in our manifesto. Inke hazaron crore ke ghotale hain (there are scams worth thousands of crores in which this Congress government is involved). There is the Mahadev ghotala (betting scandal) The ED has got proof. We have criticised the government over the liquor scam and corruption. Were you (referring to Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel) made the CM for looting the state? Why do you feel you lost five years ago? Raman Singh: People felt sarkar badal kar dekhaen (let’s change the government and see). Bhupesh (Baghel) was the gainer. If you come to power, what decision will you take first? Raman Singh: Firstly, the party has not projected me as the CM. But I can say that our government will decide to build 16 lakh homes that Bhupesh Baghel has not completed and we will give these to people denied housing. You had the reputation of being able to work with other parties and having good relations with the Centre even when the UPA was in power. Raman Singh: I had no problem (working with people from different parties). I don’t consider anyone in politics an enemy. Now, of course, there will be a double engine government — and therefore things will be better. This time, the BJP will win clear majority and form the government in Chhattisgarh — you can write this down. There is a parivartan ki leher (wave of support for change) here this time. What is the most important lesson you learned during your 15 years in power? Raman Singh: I understood clearly that you have to satisfy the kisan (farmers) if you want to remain in power in Chattisgarh. Bhupesh Baghel has announced a debt waiver again, given bonus to farmers in addition to MSP (Minimum Support Price) for paddy. What is going to be the BJP’s counter? Raman Singh: Is par baat karenge (We will discuss this). The manifesto is not yet out.
