‘A candidate can’t be imposed… BJP does not want strong leaders rising’: BJP MP-turned-Congress Churu candidate

Why do you think the BJP denied you a ticket despite you being a two-time MP?

It is only because of Rathore, who has always tried to sabotage my career. Even in the run-up to the 2019 elections, he tried his best to scuttle my chances. This time, he used all his might and that resulted in me being denied a ticket. I had complained to (BJP) state president C P Joshi about the concentration of power in one person’s hand but my complaint was not heard.

What do you think as working in your favour in the elections?

My connect with the people is working in my favour. No leader will lose votes if they works hard in their constituency, meet people regularly and have good grassroots connections.

Your family has had a long association with the BJP, and been preferred by voters here. Now that you are a Congress candidate, do you think the voters will shift preference?

They are already with me. This election is not about winning or losing but about making a statement to the party (BJP) leadership that a candidate cannot be imposed on the people. He (Jhajhadiya) has never even contested a local election and was given a ticket. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had hinted to him about two years ago that he would be fielded. Did he ever try to raise public issues in these two years? He thinks he can become an MP without any ground work. Democracy does not work like that.

There is a perception that the Churu election is not a Kaswan versus Jhajhadiya fight, but a Jat versus Rajput one…

It is not about caste or religion. I have never discriminated against anyone. In 2019, my victory margin was over 3 lakhs. In the past, I competed against a candidate of the minority community but never said anything disrespectful. Many voters from Churu work abroad and are stuck there sometimes. I have spoken to the Ministry of External Affairs to ensure their safe return. It is not about caste, it is about respect.

The BJP’s slogan for Churu is ‘Dilli mein Narendra, Churu mein Devendra (Narendra in Delhi, Devendra Jhajhadiya in Churu)…

The full slogan must be ‘Dilli mein Narendra, Churu mein Devendra aur beech mein Rajendra (Narendra in Delhi, Devendra in Churu but Rajendra in the middle)’. He (Rajendra) has become the sole decision maker here and has threatened sarpanches and government officials with his statements. Many of his loyalists also are making casteist statements.

Do you think there is resentment against the BJP among the Jats?

Farmers are not happy with the BJP. There is resentment among other communities as well. Every party has loyal followers and party leadership matters to them. One loss (in the 2023 Assembly elections) has turned Rathore against government officials and party workers. My family and I too lost many elections but never misbehaved with anyone.

Do you think Jat leaders in the Congress are happy about your candidature?

Congress leaders are happy as, after 35 years, they will get an MP from Churu, a seat they have been working hard to win… Development is a journey. The Congress did some great work during its time. The BJP too, especially under (former PM) Atal Bihari Vajpayee did good work. I am not against any (Modi government) schemes, but my opposition is to the manner in which things are being handled. The party (the BJP) does not want strong leaders to emerge.

Are you blaming the top BJP leadership for this?

No, I am talking about the BJP system and its functioning. If I do not contest, people like Rathore will rule the region and continue mistreating people.

Muslims have traditionally voted for the Congress. Will that be affected now given your former BJP links?

I have not got any such feedback. People have been welcoming me with open arms. Even when I was with the BJP, Muslims have always been welcoming towards me. It is not right to say that Muslims will not vote for me.