‘Bureaucrat has limitations, politician can play bigger role’

IAS officer-turned-politician son of Union Steel Minister Birender Singh, Brijendra Singh is banking on the Modi factor and the performance of the Khattar government besides the hold of the family ties in the region in the Lok Sabha polls. He hopes to get cross caste votes in his inaugural poll battle in Hisar. Excerpts of an interview with The Tribune reporter Deepender Deswal.

You have been campaigning for about two week. Have you get used to electioneering after turning to politics after taking voluntary retirement from the civil services?

There is a difference between a politician and a civil servant. Though both are accountable towards people, a politician has a bigger role to play and higher expectations from people. A bureaucrat has limitations but politician is a direct representative of people and has vast responsibilities. I am learning things every day.

What are the issues that are drawing your attention on the ground during campaigning?

The separate segments have separate issues and requirement. The region bordering Rajasthan has been facing water shortage. Since it’s procurement season, the farmers also are raising the issues related to procurement. Hisar town is an industrial hub, people have expectations that trade and industry get more favourable environment to flourish here.

You are being targeted by your rivals for seeking votes in the name of PM Modi even though your father is Union minister and mother an MLA. Your take.

I have joined politics proving myself as I cracked the Civil Services and served as bureaucrat for 21 years. Definitely, I have a legacy of politics of my great grandfather Chhotu Ram who is known the voice of the farmers. Since, I am a BJP candidate, I would obviously seek support on the basis of the performance of the BJP government at the Centre and in Haryana.

Dushyant Chautala alleged that you were the MD, HAFED, which framed the new rules for crop procurement?

There is no cap on wheat procurement, though the Union government fixed limit for 4 lakh metric tonnes of mustard procurement. So, the mustard purchase is being done as per the policy of the Centre and as Head of Department, I did not have any role except execution of the government’s policy. As HoD, I took steps for smooth procurement though there is always scope for improvement.

Hisar has been the epicentre of caste politics. What is your experience during campaigning?

I don’t believe in the negative politics and have an inclusive approach.

Is the rough and tumble of politics taking a toll on you physically since you were in a job which offers comparatively convenient surroundings?

I like meeting people and interacting with them throughout the day. Being a sportsperson, I am fit and fine. I have not lost any kilos despite a tough daily schedule during electioneering.