(From L-R) Bhartiya Adivasi Party leader Rajkumar Roat campaigning in Banswara; Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing an election rally in Banswara. (Photo: Rajkumar Roat/ BJP Rajasthan/ X)
It’s a David versus Goliath fight in Rajasthan’s Banswara as Bhartiya Adivasi Party (BAP) leader Rajkumar Roat prepares to take on BJP’s Mahendrajeet Singh Malviya. Roat, whose party has allied with the Congress on the seat, spoke to The Indian Express ahead of the April 26 polls. Excerpts:
Q. You are contesting Lok Sabha elections for the first time, and with a new party – BAP. What is your biggest challenge?
The problem created by BJP leader Mahendrajeet Singh Malviya – the election is being contested on the basis of money. Malviya is spending without limit, trying to woo voters by showing off financial power. I can guarantee that out of the 25 Lok Sabha seats in Rajasthan, Banswara will see the most expensive election. This is against democratic values of the country.
Q. How do you plan to tackle this?
The public is aware. BJP leaders had given proof to Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma regarding corruption by Malviya during Congress rule. But instead of acting against the culprit, BJP got him to join the party…
Q. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in Banswara yesterday that Congress wants to distribute the nation’s wealth among Muslims. Your response?
I thought it was just Malviya who had gone crazy, but we can assume from yesterday’s speech that even PM Narendra Modi has become restless. Giving such a statement does not suit a person in a high position. Modi ji said we are nobody and have no value. Then, why are BJP leaders doing so many rallies and giving such statements here?
He (Modi) is trying to divide the public and deviate voters from the main issues of the election… It is the BJP’s tactic to polarise the public.
Q. BJP has been saying there is a difference between ‘Vanvasi’ and ‘Adivasi’ people. What is your take on this?
Whoever supports the BJP is Vanvasi, and whoever is in opposition is Adivasi. This is the reality. They are not able to find any issue against our party, hence they are coming up with such things…
Q. There have been controversies regarding Congress nominee Arvind Damor not taking his nomination back, and two Independent candidates contesting with the name Rajkumar. How will this impact your voters?
The BJP is doing such petty politics. We have seen photos of both these Independent candidates at Malviya’s house. Damor is already known to be a Malviya loyalist… They are trying to divert our voters because Malviya is scared…
Parul Kulshrestha is a Principal Correspondent for The Indian Express, based in Rajasthan. A lawyer turned journalist, she brings a unique cross-disciplinary perspective to her reporting, blending legal precision with deep social inquiry to cover one of India's most culturally and politically vibrant regions.
Expertise and Experience
Legal-Journalistic Synergy: Parul’s transition from a legal background to mainstream journalism provides her with a distinct advantage in interpreting policy, legislation, and judicial impacts. This expertise allows her to "read between the lines" of government orders and court rulings affecting the public.
Diverse Beat: With years of experience across both mainstream newsrooms and independent journalism, she has built high-level authority in several critical areas:
Nomadic Tribes & Marginalized Communities: She is recognized for her sensitive and in-depth reporting on the struggles and rights of Rajasthan's nomadic populations, often giving a voice to those outside the traditional political spotlight.
Gender & Social Justice: Parul focuses on the intersection of law and gender, covering issues ranging from women’s safety and reproductive rights to the socio-economic empowerment of rural women.
Environmental & Political Reporting: She tracks Rajasthan’s complex political landscape—including electoral shifts and bureaucratic changes—alongside critical environmental concerns like water scarcity and land use.
Academic & Professional Pedigree: Her background as a lawyer, combined with her rise to the rank of Principal Correspondent at a national broadsheet, establishes her as a senior voice in the media landscape. ... Read More
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