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‘No Modi factor in Haryana’

The great grandson of former deputy Prime Minister Devi Lal, Dushyant Chautala is seeking re-election from Hisar parliamentary constituency.

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The great grandson of former deputy Prime Minister Devi Lal, Dushyant Chautala is seeking re-election from Hisar parliamentary constituency. Though he has an impressive tenure in the Lok Sabha and voters also admit his activism and contribution for various development projects, he is facing many hurdles in his second attempt at the hustings. Besides taking on the rival BJP and Congress candidates, split in the Chautala family is hurting him. After he was expelled from the INLD, he formed a new outfit Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) and has tied up with the Aam Aadmi Party. Excerpts from an interview with The Tribune reporter Deepender Deswal: 

You are seeking re-election from a new party this time. How is the response of people?

I am going to the people on the basis of my performance and works done by me in five years. I raised in the Lok Sabha the issues concerning people and farmers. Also, I allocated funds for development works. A major chunk of the MPLAD funds went towards electrification of dhanis. The first passport centre was opened at any district headquarters in Hisar.

Who are your main rivals in Hisar?

I am fighting against two ideologies. One, the BJP’s ideology which believe in division of the society on caste and communal lines. Two, the Congress culture of loot and corruption. Both these parties have ruined the country and society.

JJP in alliance with the AAP has been contesting on all 10 Lok Sabha seats in Haryana. What are your hopes?

JJP came into being about five months back. We are getting overwhelming response across the state. Our alliance will continue in the Assembly polls as well.

Do you think that the split in the family can affect your electoral prospects in this election?

We have moved over after that episode. We now have a new party which is our platform to struggle for the welfare of people.

BJP is banking on Modi factor in Haryana. Do you think it is a factor in the state? Is caste a factor in Haryana?

The elections will throw surprising results. There is no Modi factor on the ground. The electorate have left behind the negative issues like casteism.

The Congress and INLD allege that you are acting as ‘B’ team of BJP and you supported the NDA in Lok Sabha. Your take?

I fail to understand what is the basis of their charge. In fact, it shows the bankruptcy of the idea with them to target their opponent. Even PM Modi has attacked me in the Fatehabad rally on May 8 taking recourse to a baseless allegation against me.

Your younger brother Digvijay is contesting against former CM in Sonepat. He is targeted by rivals for resorting to revenge politics. Your response?

How can anybody question a political party if it fields its candidate at any constituency? Even my great grandfather Devi Lal contested from three Lok Sabha seats in 1989 and defeated Balram Jakhar after challenging him. We have the right to strengthen our party at different segments.

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