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Sutapa Mukerjee
Former BJP national president Rajnath Singh has campaigned intensively in West Bengal, and believes the party’s efforts to reach the grassroots there will pay it dividends, if not immediately in the near future. Although he is said to have a soft corner for Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, he feels her image will take a beating because of her alliance with the scam-tainted Congress. Excerpts from an interview:
Why is the BJP all out to campaign in West Bengal before these Vidhan Sabha elections?
Honestly speaking, there was no scope to have a say here over the last few decades. This is the first time that the Left Front is ruffled. So far the CPI (M) had created such an environment that people seemed totally hypnotised by it, so much so that the State was closed to other political parties here. Since that is no more the case, we thought why not make most of the opportunity and get familiar with the people in West Bengal. I am happy that we have been successful in making our presence felt.
What is the BJP’s future in West Bengal?
I would say it is rather bright. We are in no great hurry. Looking at the people’s response here, we are fully confident that there may come a time when we may even come into power here, who knows.
So right now what is your agenda in West Bengal?
We just want to get familiar with the people, drive away certain (wrong) notions they have about us. Let me tell you in no way are we illogically ambitious to vie for power here. At the same time we are expecting to get a few seats and work well for the interest of the people here.
In what ways will you would work for the masses here?
At one time West Bengal was a very developed state but after the 34 years of the left front regime, it has deteriorated to the extent that today it is one of the poorest states in the country. We would like to work towards eradication of poverty and create employment opportunities. And with equal fervor, we would also work towards sustaining the rich Bengali tradition and culture.
You are known to share a good rapport with the All India Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee. How do reconcile that with the fact that the Trinamool is a rival of your party and has been telling voters to keep away from the BJP?
I still have nothing against her as a person.
Much has been spoken about your concern when Mamata took up her fast unto death for 26 days at Singur where she took up cudgels for the peasants against the Government?
(With a smile) I would not like to discuss this, please.
What is your impression of Mamata Banerjee as a political leader?
I have always stated that Mamataji is a very honest leader. She has had no charges of corruption against her and has remained without any blemish. However, I would like to add, that no matter how spotless one is, if one enters a room where kajal is prepared, one cannot but help get a spot somewhere. The Congress for the last few years and even now has been coming into the news for all wrong reasons.
Everyone is aware of it. That is why I am rather shocked that someone as ethical as her has chosen such a party as her ally.
Former BJP national president Rajnath Singh has campaigned intensively in West Bengal, and believes the party’s efforts to reach the grassroots there will pay it dividends, if not immediately in the near future. Although he is said to have a soft corner for Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, he feels her image will take a beating because of her alliance with the scam-tainted Congress. Excerpts from an interview:
Why is the BJP all out to campaign in West Bengal before these Vidhan Sabha elections?
Honestly speaking, there was no scope to have a say here over the last few decades. This is the first time that the Left Front is ruffled. So far the CPI (M) had created such an environment that people seemed totally hypnotised by it, so much so that the State was closed to other political parties here. Since that is no more the case, we thought why not make most of the opportunity and get familiar with the people in West Bengal. I am happy that we have been successful in making our presence felt.
What is the BJP’s future in West Bengal?
I would say it is rather bright. We are in no great hurry. Looking at the people’s response here, we are fully confident that there may come a time when we may even come into power here, who knows.
So right now what is your agenda in West Bengal?
We just want to get familiar with the people, drive away certain (wrong) notions they have about us. Let me tell you in no way are we illogically ambitious to vie for power here. At the same time we are expecting to get a few seats and work well for the interest of the people here.
In what ways will you would work for the masses here?
At one time West Bengal was a very developed state but after the 34 years of the left front regime, it has deteriorated to the extent that today it is one of the poorest states in the country. We would like to work towards eradication of poverty and create employment opportunities. And with equal fervor, we would also work towards sustaining the rich Bengali tradition and culture.
You are known to share a good rapport with the All India Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee. How do reconcile that with the fact that the Trinamool is a rival of your party and has been telling voters to keep away from the BJP?
I still have nothing against her as a person.
Much has been spoken about your concern when Mamata took up her fast unto death for 26 days at Singur where she took up cudgels for the peasants against the Government?
(With a smile) I would not like to discuss this, please.
What is your impression of Mamata Banerjee as a political leader?
I have always stated that Mamataji is a very honest leader. She has had no charges of corruption against her and has remained without any blemish. However, I would like to add, that no matter how spotless one is, if one enters a room where kajal is prepared, one cannot but help get a spot somewhere. The Congress for the last few years and even now has been coming into the news for all wrong reasons.
Everyone is aware of it. That is why I am rather shocked that someone as ethical as her has chosen such a party as her ally.
