The hot seat of the capital, Civil Lines, surprised everyone this time with the results of the assembly elections. Gopal Sharma, the BJP candidate on this seat, defeated Congress stalwart leader Pratap Singh Khachariyawas. It would not be wrong to say that the BJP has toppled the strong fortress of Congress this time. MLA Gopal Sharma, who is reaching the assembly for the first time after contesting elections, spoke exclusively to The Daily Guardian and revealed his vision for the constituency and the state. Excerpts:
Q: How was your journey from being a journalist to becoming an MLA, and how did the thought come that you want to become an MLA?
A: See, I always consider the freedom struggle as a source of inspiration. After independence, I witnessed many movements. I also witnessed the Quit India Movement, and at that time, I saw the condition of the students. When the India-Pakistan war happened, the media was quite developed. At that time, on December 16, 1971, the announcement was made in the media that India had won the war. At that time, I used to write reports after seeing the newspaper. Wherever I studied, many great personalities have studied there. So, the feeling of patriotism has always been in my heart because of those great personalities. The famous Sher-e-Rajasthan, the late Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, introduced me to the field of journalism. He guided me in extensive reporting. Even after independence, I saw situations in the country where injustice was happening to people. I highlighted many incidents through journalism. As everything was going well in journalism, I felt that journalism has a limit, and one should enter politics. I was associated with the RSS, so I was asked to prepare for the Sanghaner assembly constituency. But when another leader got the ticket there, I sat quietly. Then, I was given a ticket from Civil Lines, and I contested the election from here.
Q: Bhairon Singh Shekhawat is a big name in the country’s politics. How did you come in contact with him?
A: When I was studying, I was associated with ABVP and RSS during that time. In 1983, I came in contact with Bhairon Singh Ji. At that time, I wanted to contest assembly elections from Varanasi. But my roots are from Rajasthan, so I thought people would not easily accept it. At that time, Bhairon Singh Ji said that he was contesting elections from two places, so he called me to Jaipur. Here, Shekhawat Ji toured the Amer assembly constituency and campaigned in every village. With the efforts of everyone, Shekhawat Ji emerged victorious. After that, I was always connected with him like a family member. Shekhawat Sahab always treated me with love like a son. It is because of that love and guidance that I am a legislator today.
Q: Now that you have become an MLA, what issue will you raise first for the people of your constituency in the assembly?
A: I am entering politics with complete dedication. I have decided that I will not compromise on honesty, ethics, character, or helping the poor, and not tolerate any compromise with the voice of the distressed and suffering person. My role will always be strong and my attitude is the same as the sacrifices made in the freedom struggle. I think there is nothing as significant in Civil Lines. The conditions in the colonies are such that there are no slippers on the feet of children. On one side, there are ministers’ bungalows, and on the other side, there is disappointment among the mothers and sisters in the colonies. This is because many youths here have fallen victim to drug addiction. There is a business of narcotics on the banks of the Dravyavati River. I am in favour of a governance where the police administration does not have to be influenced. Every problem of Civil Lines will be addressed with priority. The image of Civil Lines will change in the next five years.
Q: You said that Hasanpura should be converted into Haripura. It is being said that polarisation remained dominant in the civil line. How true is this?
A: See, I consider polarisation appropriate because it is in the interest of the country. As far as changing the name from Hasanpura to Haripura is concerned, this statement came from my heart. It should be changed because the name creates discrimination in the minds of people. My goal is not to hurt anyone’s feelings. But discrimination is also unacceptable.
Q: Along with you, Shekhawat’s nephew Pratap Singh also promoted Bhairon Singh Shekhawat’s name during the Civil Lines elections. However, you benefitted more. Why is that?
A: Bhairon Singh Ji’s name cannot be taken by Pratap Singh Khachariyawas. If he takes their name, his arrogance will end. He considers himself bigger than Shekhawat Ji. While I take their name with respect. I have celebrated 27 Diwali and Holi festivals with them. I see them not as a leader but as a social reformer. The scale of my respect is different, and the scale of their relationship is different.
Q: Corruption is a big issue in the country. Cash of more than 300 crores has been seized from the locations of Rajya Sabha MP Dheeraj Sahu. Papers are being leaked. What is your take on this?
A: Corruption cases are very unfortunate. There are similar conditions in Rajasthan. Money and gold are being found in departments related to the CM. Corrupt officials caught in ACB were saved by Congress. The present CM has not approved the prosecutions. Congress and corruption are twin brothers. They cannot live without each other. But now it is decided that strict action will be taken against the corrupt.
Under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, India is gaining prestige worldwide. Similarly, the lost glory of Rajasthan will also
return now.
