BJP’s state in-charge and Rajya Sabha MP Radha Mohandas Agarwal, known for his statements, gave a special interview to The Daily Guardian. In the interview, he reflected on the BJP government’s one-year tenure, stating that the public has already endorsed its work. He emphasized that in this one year, the BJP government and party have dismantled significant strongholds.
Regarding the paper leak issue, Agarwal mentioned that the investigation is still ongoing and assured that once completed, major individuals involved would be apprehended. He also expressed satisfaction with the progress made in Rajasthan under the Sangathan Parv initiative. Throughout the conversation, he took the opportunity to criticize both the Congress party and former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, as well as State Congress President Govind Singh Dotasara. Here is an edited excerpt from the interview:
Q: Bhajan Lal government has completed one year of its tenure in the state. How do you see it?
A: We are a political organization. We try to understand the sentiments of the people through the organization. We work for the people and the government is our medium. Recently, the people have cast their votes in the by-elections, which approves the work of the government. Here, in the by-elections of seven seats, we have won five seats. We have shaken big strongholds like Ola family, Hanuman Beniwal. We have shaken the roots of many bigwigs. In the two seats where we have lost, the margin of defeat has reduced a lot compared to the last assembly elections. In these elections, the people have shown that they are with our organization and with the government. Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has done many big works in this one year. Now the government is running at a fast pace. The government is meeting the expectations of the people.
Q: During your visit to Jaipur, you held a meeting with state officials and provided guidelines for the Sangathan Parv, (Organization Festival). How would you evaluate the progress and success of the event in the state?
A: Look, the basic work of the Sangathan Parv, has been completed. This campaign has been going on for the last four months. We are one such organization in the world, which brings democracy not only in the country but also in its organization. We go through the selection process. Our most basic unit is the booth, which maintains a relationship with the citizens. We make primary members. So far, we have made 12.5 crore members across the country. Then we make active members. Many of these members work actively in the BJP. As far as the formation of the Mandal President is concerned, that process will be completed in the next four days. Along with the Mandal President, the process of the District President is also going on. By 9 or 10 January, we will appoint the District President. After this, the process of the State President will start.
Q: The current President Madan Rathore is the nominated President, so can there be a change in Rajasthan?
A: Currently, Madan Rathore is the nominated President by the organization. Elections will soon be held in Rajasthan. Rathore is doing commendable work, and we support him. However, it’s possible that either he will be re-elected as president or someone else may take on the role, as per the democratic election process.
Q: The new executive will be announced at a later date and what parameters will be decided for it.
A: Our rules are fixed and we do not compromise on them. With time, new generations keep coming in the organization. The age in Yuva Morcha can be up to 35 years. While the Mandal President should be between 35 to 45 years, the President in the district unit should be between 45 to 60 years. The age will be determined only for the President. It is not so for the entire team. We want an experienced team to work with our District President. As far as the new executive is concerned, the executive will be formed only after the selection of the National President. The approval of the state officials is taken from the national unit. The new State President makes the appointment after taking approval from the national leadership of the executive. Similarly, the appointments in the districts are made by the District President with the consent of the State President and the Mandal President forms the executive committee after taking the opinion of the District President under him. In such a situation, the executive committee will be formed only after the organization festival.
Q: Rajasthan is an agriculture-based state, and no decision has been made regarding Agriculture Minister Kirori Meena’s resignation. The farmers’ department seems neglected. What is your take on this?
A: Look, as far as I know, Kirori Meena is a member of the cabinet. He is attending meetings and is also working. Every person has his own personality. Everyone has his own way of working. Kirori Lal is a struggling and experienced person. I do not believe that he is not doing his work. The government is making policies in the interest of farmers. Kirori Meena will do even better work.
Q: Will there be cabinet expansion in Rajasthan in the coming days?
A: I deliberately do not speak on cabinet expansion. The reason for this is that we have formed the government here. The Chief Minister and the cabinet are working. Cabinet expansion is a matter of priority for the Chief Minister. The Chief Minister has to see whether the ministers who have been made are in accordance with the intention of the government and the party or not. When he wants to expand, he will talk to us. Only after this, I will be able to give detailed information on the speculations of the cabinet.
Q: The paper leak issue is significant in Rajasthan, with many accused already arrested. The government has yet to make a decision on SI recruitment, giving Congress an opportunity to criticize. What is your response to this?
A: The big accused in the paper leak have not been caught yet. The flame of investigation will reach big people as well. Whoever is accused, they will not be able to escape. In this case, if I myself take the name of Dotasara or Gehlot, it will not be right. We have formed an investigation committee and that committee is working at its own pace. Its investigation can reach Dotasara or Gehlot as well. The government’s standards regarding transparency and corruption are clear. No citizen will be spared. No one will be proved guilty for political gain. First we prove whether he is guilty and then take action. So that he cannot escape.
Q: The BJP government in Rajasthan has dissolved 9 districts, and Congress has raised allegations. What is your response to this?
A: Look, one should be very careful while creating districts. Districts should be created at such places where there is a need so that the public can get good governance. Governments should also take care of reducing administrative expenses. Districts should be created keeping in mind the convenience and inconvenience of the citizens. There should not be any political motive behind creating districts. I have respect for former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, but he has created districts in a hurry for electoral gains. Gehlot created such districts which were not needed at all. Offices have not even been opened in many districts till now. In such a situation, after our government came, Chief Minister Bhajan lal Sharma formed a committee and asked the committee to work within certain parameters. That committee recommended the abolition of impractical districts. After this, our government took this decision. Congress has nothing to say on this.
