‘Ready for any responsibility’

Saffron party leader Arvind Sharma demolished Hoodas’ citadel by defeating three-time MP Deepender Hooda in a close contest in Rohtak. He is the first non-Jat MP to be elected from the Jat-dominated seat. In an interview with The Tribune reporter Ravinder Saini, he talks about his future plans. 

What will be your priority?

Resolving public grievances will be my priority. I will interact with people in all nine Assembly segments under the Rohtak parliamentary constituency and discuss their problems. I will go to each and every village of the constituency to express my gratitude to people for electing me. Besides, I will seek their suggestions for resolving their issues. Yesterday, I visited Kosli town and residents apprised me of their problems. I assured them that their grievances would be redressed soon.

You have been elected MP for the fourth time, but it’s the first time you have got an opportunity to work as a parliamentarian in your home constituency. How do you feel?

I am delighted that I have been chosen the public representative of my home parliamentary constituency. My native Majra village is located in Jhajjar district and I have spent a lot of time in this region. I won my first Lok Sabha elections from Sonepat and emerged victorious in Karnal twice. My working style in both constituencies remained the same. I decided my priorities after discussing issues with people. I gave my best in both constituencies and people supported me.

How challenging was it to contest from Rohtak against the Hooda family which had won seven of the eight Lok Sabha elections from here since 1991?

Elections are always a challenge and every candidate pulls out all the stops to romp home. I knew Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not only worked remarkably for the welfare and betterment of every section of society, but has also represented India well at the global level. Hence, there was nothing worrisome for me. The Khattar-led BJP government in the state has also been doing a wonderful job, which helped me win the seat.

It was a close contest on the Rohtak seat. There were many ups and downs on the day of the results. Did you, at any point, feel that the BJP might lose the game? 

I was confident of winning as the Modi factor was stronger than what it was in 2014. People used to cheer for PM Modi during my poll meetings in villages. It was a clear message that people wanted to see Modi as the Prime Minister again. The ups and downs witnessed on the day of counting were interesting, but I was sure that the BJP would wrest the seat from the Congress.

Are you hoping for a ministerial berth in the Modi-led Central government?

It will be decided by the party. As a public representative, my job is to work for people, redress their grievances and ensure development. I am ready to take up any responsibility assigned to me by the party.

People of the Kosli segment have been raising the demand for the formation of Ahir regiment. What’s your opinion?

I endorse the demand and will raise the issue before Parliament.