only-unwavering-confidence-and-commitment-in-the-bjp-says-satish-poonia

Satish Subhashchandra Poonia is an Indian politician who has made his contributions to the political landscape of Rajasthan. Serving as a member of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly since 2018, he represents the constituency of Amber Vidhan Sabha. Poonia has also held the position of President in the Rajasthan chapter of the Bharatiya Janata Party. News Arena India had the opportunity to conduct an exclusive interview with Mr. Poonia before the upcoming Rajasthan assembly elections.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What are the major issues for the assembly elections this time?

 

 

 

Over the last five years, Rajasthan has been marred by internal strife within the Congress party. In an attempt to safeguard his position as Chief Minister, Ashok Gehlot empowered influential Congress families, which, regrettably, led to widespread corruption. This is not just an allegation; for instance, during a public event with teachers, the Chief Minister inquired, "Is money being exchanged for transfers?" and the teachers affirmed this.

 

 

 

This occurred in the presence of the then Education Minister. Moreover, this government has left a legacy of corruption, with 19 cases of paper leaks, including REET, which demoralised and disheartened the youth. In 2018, Rahul Gandhi promised to waive farm loans within ten days, but over 1800 days later, this promise remains unfulfilled. Tragically, many farmers have taken their own lives, and the lands of over 19,000 farmers have been auctioned. Law and order in Rajasthan have deteriorated significantly, with over 11 lakh cases registered in the past five years. The state, known for its peace and harmony, is grappling with rising crime, including issues with the mining mafia, gangsters, murders, chain snatchings, and more.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Will anti-incumbency play any role in the BJP's electoral prospects? 

 

 

 

I have no doubt that the Congress government will be voted out because their policies have been detrimental to the people, and they have failed to fulfil their promises from five years ago. There is widespread anger and resentment against Congress MLAs, which will work in our party's favour. The public has already made up its mind, and the appeal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi remains strong. People have faith in the Prime Minister's commitments and the schemes initiated by the central government. Our party workers, down to the booth level, are highly motivated, and we are poised to form the government.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What approach do you take when seeking votes, asking for support in the name of the party or any particular leader? 

 

 

 

Our organisation, the BJP, has earned the trust of the people. In our state, the BJP symbolises development and prosperity. With millions of party workers in the state, our election symbol, the Lotus, is our identity. The confidence that Prime Minister Narendra Modi instils in the people is a result of the developmental schemes and the tangible benefits reaching the underprivileged. The BJP, the Lotus symbol, nationalism, and Prime Minister Modi are the strong values that we bring to the people. Our development model has garnered the confidence of the public, not just among party workers but among common citizens who believe "Modi hai to Mumkin Hai."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Will the BJP declare a CM candidate before the polls? 

 

 

 

The decision to declare a Chief Ministerial candidate is made by the parliamentary board of our party. Each state has a unique political landscape, and in some, we contest elections with a declared Chief Ministerial face, while in others, we do not. This decision is the prerogative of the board, and we, as a party, adhere to the board's decisions. This discipline sets the BJP apart, as our primary identity lies with the organisation itself. For Rajasthan, the central leadership has made it clear that we will contest the election under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the Lotus symbol remains our sole identity.

 

 

 

What do you think about the BJP's prospects in the upcoming elections in the five states of the nation? In all the upcoming state elections, the BJP is poised to perform exceptionally well. We are the world's largest political organisation and have a robust presence on the ground. Our dedicated workers extend our reach to the remotest polling booths. Prime Minister Modi's leadership has been instrumental in motivating our workers.

 

 

 

 It's essential to remember that the BJP started with just three seats in the Lok Sabha and has now grown to have 303 MPs representing the people of India. This remarkable journey is the result of the tireless efforts of our workers. From metropolitan areas to rural villages, Prime Minister Modi's leadership and work ethic have touched the hearts of people across the nation. The BJP operates with the core principles of nationalism and putting the nation first.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How smooth do you anticipate your electoral journey to be from Amber, your own constituency? Will you face tough competition?

 

 

 

This election is not just about me; it's about the people of Amber and the entire party. My candidacy in Amber is a testament to the love and support of the people as well as the trust placed in me by my party. It signifies the future and prosperity of Amber. Over the past decade of serving this constituency, development work worth over 1850 crore rupees has been undertaken, and my entire MLA fund has been invested in the same. In 2018, the people of Amber voted for me and the BJP, and the party honoured me by appointing me as the party president. This recognition is not just for me but for the entire farming community. I've been fortunate that Amber has been represented by eminent figures such as former Chief Minister and former Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat. My party has demonstrated faith in me and my work over the last five years, and I am confident that the people of Amber will once again choose the BJP. Do you suspect any political conspiracy in your replacement as the Rajasthan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BJP President on the eve of elections? How do you think this will impact the results?

 

 

 

There are no conspiracies within the BJP, only unwavering confidence and commitment. I come from an ordinary family of farmers in Churu district and have been a dedicated party worker since my Vidyarthi Parishad days. My journey in the party, from the Yuva Morcha to becoming the Rajasthan Party President, has been characterised by dedication and commitment. I have witnessed struggles up close and personal. I was born in a humble hut to a family of freedom fighters, and during my early days of working for the party, I travelled using only state transportation, such as buses and trains, often in unreserved compartments.

 

 

 

I have seen both struggle and the rewards that come from it. By appointing me as the State Party President, the party honoured not just the farmers in Rajasthan but in regions like Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Delhi as well. We are a disciplined party that adheres to rules and principles. During my tenure, we ensured that photo identities were provided to party workers in over 50,000 polling booths across the state. Our work led to the opposition outperforming the ruling Congress for the first time in the history of Panchayati Raj elections, with BJP securing 19 out of 33 Zilla Pramukh seats, while the ruling Congress held just 14.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Is there any infighting in the party? If yes, will it have any impact on the outcome of the results?

 

 

 

Each member of our party adheres to our ideology, and the organisation transcends any individual. There is no factionalism or division within the Rajasthan BJP. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is our leader, the Lotus is our pride and identity. We are contesting the elections as a united front, and we have full confidence that the people of Rajasthan will place their trust in the BJP and bring it to power. Furthermore, our commitment extends to working towards making Prime Minister Narendra Modi the country's premier for the third consecutive time in 2024.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What strategy is the party adopting to counter Ashok Gehlot and the Congress?

 

 

 

Over the last five years, there has been a persistent struggle for power and supremacy within the Congress party, which has not only harmed the party but also the state. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the government isolated itself in luxury hotels for 52 days while the people were left to struggle on the streets. In such challenging times, Prime Minister Modi's leadership extended beyond Rajasthan to the entire country, effectively implementing a vaccination campaign. Additionally, BJP workers delivered food and supplies to homes in Rajasthan. Regrettably, the Chief Minister, who also serves as the Home Minister, allowed the state to descend into lawlessness. Issues such as paper leaks and an increase in crimes against women have been met with silence from Chief Minister Gehlot. In the past five years, mafia and criminal elements have operated freely, leaving the public disillusioned. People are seeking change, and the BJP will provide them with a stable, secure, and prosperous Rajasthan. There are rumours that Sachin Pilot is unhappy in the Congress as he is being sidelined by Ashok Gehlot.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Are you aware of any move where Pilot may have wanted to join the BJP?

 

 

 

 Whether Sachin Pilot is happy or unhappy within the Congress is a matter that only Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot can elucidate. This is an internal issue within their party. Nevertheless, it is evident not only to me but to observers outside the Congress that the party stifles the ambitions of talented and dynamic young leaders. Leaders at various levels, from the Congress high command to the Chief Minister, have made concerted efforts to marginalise Sachin Pilot and weaken his position. The derogatory language used by a seasoned politician like Chief Minister Gehlot towards Sachin Pilot is unbecoming of his political career. As part of a conspiracy, Pilot was stripped of his position as the party president and the Deputy Chief Ministership. Should a talented leader like Sachin Pilot choose to join the BJP, he would be welcomed in the same manner as other leaders who have embraced our party, inspired by our principles of nationalism and ideology. If the BJP forms the government in Rajasthan.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

what role do you envision for yourself within the government?

 

 

 

In our disciplined and committed party, no individual worker assigns themselves a role. I have been a dedicated party worker for nearly four decades, and any role the party assigns to me will be acceptable. Throughout my service in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Karnataka, and Himachal Pradesh, I have executed my duties to the best of my ability. My personal aspiration is for the BJP in Rajasthan to become an unbeatable organisation, not only in this election but in the future as well. The BJP appeared to miss capitalising on significant controversies and governance failures in the last five years.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why do you believe the people will vote for the BJP this time?

 

 

 

It's important to note that the public may not be fully aware of the extensive work that the BJP has undertaken, from addressing issues at the grassroots level to the legislative assembly. 

 

 

 

The deteriorating law and order situation, paper leaks, and unfulfilled promises, such as farm loan waivers, have been substantial concerns that we have tackled. The BJP has conducted over two dozen rallies and agitations, compelling the government to acknowledge these issues. Many of our party workers have faced water cannons and police lathi charges, but we have persevered in voicing the concerns of the people. Hundreds of workers have sustained injuries and been taken into custody.

 

 

 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we didn't limit ourselves to agitations; our workers provided food, medicines, footwear, and various forms of assistance to the people of Rajasthan. In 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended the Rajasthan BJP for its services during the pandemic. I am satisfied that the BJP has fulfilled its role as a responsible opposition by championing the people's causes. In a few weeks, I believe the people will support us and remove the Congress party from government.