‘People interested in growth, not dynasty’

Union Rural Development and Parliamentary Affairs Minister and BJP leader Narendra Singh Tomar claims that while the NDA led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will face the Lok Sabha poll with an appeal for the country’s development, the Opposition parties are exercised about their relevance. Considered a strategist in the BJP, he has been nominated to contest from Morena in Madhya Pradesh. In an interview with The Tribune reporter Ravi S Singh, he says today’s voters are politically informed. He expressed optimism that they would give a decisive mandate in favour of a second stint for Modi. Excerpts: 

BJP president Amit Shah will contest from Gandhinagar seat which was once represented by former party chief Lal Krishna Advani. Does this convey a message? 

Amit Shah’s candidature is the BJP’s signal of its serious intent, displaying its confidence that we would win the elections in a big way. The move will invigorate party cadres across the country.    

Is there any strategy behind Prime Minister Narendra Modi contesting only from Varanasi, unlike in 2014 when he contested simultaneously from Vadodara (Gujarat)? 

This reflects Narendra Modi’s dedication to the people of Uttar Pradesh, including Varanasi. 

What will be BJP’s main election slogan?  

(Long pause…raises both hands in the air) Hum bhi chowkidar. 

Besides the UPA alliance, there are also state-specific alliances of Opposition parties. What challenge will they pose to the BJP?

The leader of these alliances is reeling under criminal investigations on various counts, including those related to corruption. Some leaders are brokers and commission agents. They have been getting politically decimated since 2014. Fearing the worst for themselves, they somehow want to prevent Narendra Modi from becoming Prime Minister again. 

Is there a strategy in the BJP fielding all the Union Ministers for the poll contest?

The BJP has padded up to play on the front foot on the electoral pitch. 

The Opposition parties see the nomination of Rajya Sabha members to contest the election as nervousness in the BJP camp with regard to the outcome of parliamentary poll. Your take?

The BJP has its own electoral mechanism. Decisions on candidates also take into account the prevailing situation in the states and areas concerned. The party’s emphasis is not only to win the election, but also to soar beyond the majority mark on its own. 

The Congress has given Priyanka Gandhi Vadra charge of eastern UP. How big a challenge will she be to the BJP?

It is the Congress’ internal strategy. She is not new to politics. She worked for Sonia Gandhi and brother Rahul Gandhi earlier. The impact was questionable. The people of the country are interested in development, not in a dynasty’s appeal.