Vijay Rupani: ‘Politics mein samay balwan hota hai. But today… there are no alliance talks (with Akali Dal)’ – The Indian Express
‘By appointing Jakhar (as Punjab BJP chief), party has set an example for others, who came to BJP fold from other parties, that if they are competent…they will get due opportunities,’ says BJP’s Punjab in-charge
“People are angry and dejected with the (ruling) AAP. People are repenting after having made badlav (change) in the state (by voting the Aam Aadmi Party to power),” said Vijay Rupani. (File)
Your browser does not support the audio element.
The BJP’s Punjab affairs in-charge Vijay Rupani has been making the pitch that things could improve for Punjab if the BJP takes centre stage in the state. In an interview with The Indian Express, Rupani, the former Gujarat chief minister, says that “on the lines of Gujarat, Punjab needs to shift from votebank politics to the politics of development to regain its lost glory”. Excerpts:
* The BJP high command has effected a change of guard in the Punjab unit, appointing Sunil Jakhar as the new state party president. How do you see this?
Firstly, change of leadership is a natural process in our party. Number two, BJP has planned to expand and go forward in Punjab strategically. People are angry and dejected with the (ruling) AAP. People are repenting after having made badlav (change) in the state (by voting the Aam Aadmi Party to power). At this time, a prominent BJP face has to be presented before the people of Punjab. Jakhar sahib came to BJP fold around a year ago. Jakhar himself as well as his father served Punjab and the nation. He has a clean image and a tall leader. So, he has been given the responsibility to lead the party in Punjab. The BJP has entrusted him with the responsibility to rejuvenate and expand party in the state. He is a mature politician, who has served as MLA and MP and has worked a lot in Punjab. This will benefit the party.
You have exhausted your
monthly limit of free stories.
To continue reading,
simply register or sign in
Continue reading with an Indian Express Premium membership starting Rs 91 per month.
This premium article is free for now.
Register to read more free stories and access offers from partners.
Continue reading with an Indian Express Premium membership starting Rs 91 per month.
This content is exclusive for our subscribers.
Subscribe now to get unlimited access to The Indian Express exclusive and premium stories.
* Apart from Jakhar, several prominent former Congress leaders and ministers are now with the BJP, prompting many in the state political circles to say that the Punjab BJP is now primarily a party dominated by ex-Congressmen. What is your take?
In the BJP, all are members of the same party, whether they are already in the party or the ones who came to the BJP from other parties. The leaders of BJP work for an ideology. The way Modiji is working to take the nation forward, Punjab BJP workers also want that the state should move forward too. And since Jakhar was appointed the Punjab BJP chief, there has been a lot of enthusiasm among party workers. We have received a very good feedback. Rather I would say that by appointing Jakhar, party has set an example for others, who came to BJP fold from other parties, that if they are competent and do well, they will get due opportunities.
* There has been a strong buzz that the BJP and the Shiromani Akali Dal may restitch their alliance in the run-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Is this on the cards?
I have given an open statement twice when I was in Punjab recently that the BJP will contest elections alone. I have made it clear.
* While taking charge, Jakhar said the Punjab BJP would need to get over the “chhota bhai” (junior ally) mindset. Do such statements not indicate that the BJP is not averse to realign with Akali Dal but wants a larger pie in the seat-sharing?
At present there are no alliance talks (with Akali Dal) at any stage. What is being speculated is not correct.
* Could the BJP think of again having an alliance with Akali Dal in the future?
Politics mein samay balwan hota hai. Lekin aaj ki date mein, party ka stand bahut clear hai (In politics time is all powerful. But today party’s stand is very clear).
* You had served as Gujarat CM and are now the Punjab BJP in-charge. How do you compare the two states
Ever since 2001, when Narendra Modiji became the Gujarat CM, there has been politics of development. There has been tremendous development in Gujarat where politics of development replaced votebank politics. The type of governance which has been established in Gujarat is not seen in Punjab. Due to votebank politics, Punjab is today lagging behind. The clout Punjab once wielded has vanished. Modi hai to hi mumkin hoga, BJP hogi to hi Punjab mein ye sab change hoga, varna impossible hai (Things could change for better for Punjab only if Modi is there, if BJP is there. Otherwise, it is impossible).
First published on: 15-07-2023 at 15:38 IST
Source: News
REVIEW: Is Cirque Du Soleil’s Crystal worth buying tickets for and going to see in Perth?
From the Obamas to the Biebers, the U.S. Open stars aren’t just on court
SATC’s Chris Noth Admits To Cheating On Wife But Denies Assault In First Interview Since Accusations
About The Author
