As Madhya Pradesh is about to vote for the Assembly elections for 230 constituencies on November 17, political leaders across parties have readied themselves to woo voters through their promises. Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia spoke exclusively with NewsX about the BJP’s prospects in the state polls. Excerpts:
Q: What are the chances of the Bharatiya Janata Party in the Assembly polls in the state?
A: As the BJP has done a lot of developmental works in the state, it is upbeat about its success in the polls. There was a time when the state had been labelled as a BIMARU state but fortunately, this has become a history and is right on the solid track of development. Road, hospital, education and transport infrastructure of the state have marked a considerable improvement and the credit for it must be given to the double-engine government in the state. The BJP dispensation under Shivraj Singh Chouhan has changed the overall condition of the state. Maternal mortality rate has gone down. There remains no doubt that the Chouhan government has tried its level best to spread education among people, resulting into conspicuous change in the state’s education realm. During the Covid pandemic, the state government, with considerable help from the Centre, had rendered best services in saving lives of people through providing medical care. That is why, the people of the state have reposed immense faith in the leadership of Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
Q: You say BJP has done a lot of development work across the state, but on the other hand, Congress says that the state government is neck-deep in corruption. Why two opinions at the time of election?
A: BJP does not believe in any sort of propaganda and rumour-mongering, whether it is before or after election. It may be the part of Congress policies. Being an ordinary party worker, I can say that BJP is a highly organised party which believes in the overall development of common people. Also, the party believes in the very spirit of democracy. As far as Congress is concerned, it is party which has no leader who has vision to develop the state. Thus, a rudderless party can go to any extent to malign the image of another party.
Q: There is an ongoing perception that Congress has experienced leaders in Kamal Nath and Digvijaya Singh. What have you to say on this?
A: It is Congress’ perception that they have experience, but people have no interest in it. People want development and here ends their expectations. People of the state want development and nothing else.
