‘We can assume from yesterday’s speech that PM Modi is restless’: Candidate taking on BJP in Banswara’s David versus Goliath fight

Rajkumar Roat, leader of the Bharatiya Adivasi Party, says his BJP opponent is pumping money into the campaign ‘without limit’

Written by Parul Kulshrestha
Banswara | April 22, 2024 04:41 PM IST

3 min read

rajasthan rajkumar roat banswara interview

(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?

Decode Politics | PM Modi warns people Congress ‘eyeing your wealth’. What does Cong manifesto say

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…

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