‘Despite being Rao Inderjit Singh’s daughter, I did not get a ticket for 10 years… I am here to work’: Arti Singh Rao

*You have been speaking about your family’s ‘political legacy’ at rallies, but have dismissed charges of nepotism.

I do not speak about the legacy to garner votes… It is because the Opposition claimed that I did not know the area and was an outsider. I want to explain to the people that I have been working in the area for the last 15 years without any ticket. I have not got it (the ticket) easily at all. I might be Rao Inderjit Singh’s daughter, but I did not get the ticket for 10 years. I was shooting (Arti is a professional shooter) for 20 years. My father never pulled the trigger for me.

*After the 2008 delimitation, the Mahendragarh Lok Sabha seat — which Singh won twice — was divided to carve out the Gurgaon Lok Sabha seat. He has been winning in Gurgaon since. Do you think your family’s influence in what comprised the Old Mahendragarh seat (which also covers Ateli) has waned?

The connection with the people — as it used to be — has reduced. Rao saab had to give his attention to Gurgaon more. Having said that, Mahendragarh has been close to us… We have helped them the best we can. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Rao saab helped make Chaudhary Dharambir saab win (as the Mahendragarh-Bhiwani MP).

* The BJP has been winning Ateli since 2014. If elected, what would you do differently?

I have had a career in sports for 20 years and I have represented India in shooting. I know the youth in my area are looking for an avenue in sports. I want to develop infrastructure, whether it is for shooting or getting into the Army or just for those who want to take up sports for the love of it. Secondly, I want to work for the girls in the area. I want to ensure they get better higher educational facilities in Ateli.

* You have supported the protests by Ahirs (a Yadav community) for a full-fledged infantry regiment named after them. The Central government has said that the Army needs to have a national character rather than restricting it to regional identities.

Every area that has sent their men into the Army has had a regiment named after them, but ours never did. A number of our boys have not just gone into the Army but sacrificed their lives for the country. We have also given our blood and sweat. Even if they could make it an Ahirwal regiment (which is not community specific but includes the southern Haryana districts of Rewari, Mahendragarh, and Gurgaon), we are willing to take it.

* The focus is again on cow vigilantism in South Haryana. What is your suggestion to ensure that private entities do not take the law into their own hands?

It is good to have (people with) information, but we need more people in the right places — such as in the police — so that this information can be used. That way we can ensure that the children in our area do not go out on a limb and ruin their lives and do not take the law into their own hands.

* Rao Inderjit Singh has been vocal about ‘the political rights of South Haryana’. How big a role does he play in ensuring the BJP’s success in the region?

Rao saab has always stood up and by the people of Southern Haryana. In this election, I am seeing all these regions supportive of for the BJP. There have been complaints from Gurgaon, but it is still a BJP stronghold.

* What are your plans for the BJP’s future in the Ahirwal belt?

Rewari and Gurgaon (districts) have prospered over the last 15 years, and I would like Mahendragarh to get a piece of the prosperity the others are enjoying. I want to give jobs to the youth. I want to address the educational and employment needs of Ateli. I have seen enough power in my family and I am not hungry for it. I am here to work.