Firebrand BJP leader Rakesh Jamwal, who is the party’s MLA from Sundernagar in Mandi district, blames Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for the crisis facing the Congress.
He alleges the CM failed to keep his flock together, and that more MLAs will desert the Congress after June 4. In an interview with Munish Sood of TNR, Jamwal opens up on Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut’s candidature, the 2023 rain tragedy and a host of other issues:
Q: Was the decision to field Kangana Ranaut from Mandi taken by the BJP high command or the state unit?
A: It was a collective decision of the Himachal unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party and the leadership at the centre. Considering various factors, including providing reservation to women and the candidate’s individual qualities, Kangana beat all other who were in the race.
Q: The opposition Congress is claiming that the BJP overlooked several of its senior leaders in Mandi and fielded a ‘parachute’ candidate like Kangana, who wasn’t even a party member nor has any political background?
A: Before making such claims, the Congress should introspect. They should explain why they didn’t give the ticket to Pratibha Singh, who is currently Mandi MP, and instead chose their Shimla-Rural MLA. They must focus on their own concerns. The BJP took a strategic decision by fielding Kangana, who will win this seat, and Vikramaditya will have to return to Shimla-Rural constituency.
Q: Are people within your party unhappy over the decision to field Kangana?
A: I don’t think so. I interact with the public daily and people are enthusiastically participating in our electoral programmes. Wherever Kangana goes, she draws large crowds.
Q: Analysts claim Kangana has become a bone of contention for the BJP. Some even say this decision has put at stake the political future of ex-CM Jai Ram Thakur as he is the one accompanying her everywhere?
A: These are baseless claims. Kangana is a strong candidate from Mandi and she is receiving overwhelming support from all BJP members. The claims against Kangana are merely attempts to discredit her. As for the question about Jai Ram, he is a senior leader and his relevance hasn’t diminished within the party.
Q: Then why are leaders from places like Kangra, Hamirpur, Una and other places unwilling to accompany her?
A: That’s not true. Former chief ministers are touring entire Himachal Pradesh for the elections, including the places you mentioned. Sometimes, local leaders have their own schedules, which might not align with Kangana’s events. Saying that they are not supporting her is entirely incorrect.
Q: The BJP considers itself an ideal party and doesn’t hesitate to refer to its principles. Then what about your attempt to topple the government by bringing six MLAs against the government? Was that in line with your principles?
A: It’s completely wrong to say that the BJP instigated the Congress MLAs to take steps against their own government. The entire incident was orchestrated by Chief Minister Sukhu. These were the people who were dissatisfied with the government for many months because the Chief Minister neither met them nor addressed their concerns, leaving them marginalised.
They chose to join the BJP on their own, and one of their grievances was the plan to bring in Abhishek Manu Singhvi from Delhi for the Rajya Sabha seat, which they protested. We have no involvement in this. The Chief Minister is making baseless accusations that the MLAs were purchased.
Q: Don’t you think the BJP’s intention behind this entire sequence of events was to form a government, which couldn’t happen, and ultimately, the BJP suffered a great loss?
A: The BJP is a big party globally and it doesn’t get affected by such trivial matters. The Congress is reaping the consequences of its actions. They acquired power by deceiving people and now they’re facing the consequences. Why would we topple the government? It has already collapsed, and after June 4, it will collapse further. Many MLAs are leaving the sinking ship, unhappy with Sukhu and his government.
Q: How much damage will the BJP incur in these elections as the Centre didn’t extend any special package to Himachal during the 2023 rain disaster?
A: PM Modi hasn’t provided any special package to any state. Whatever is necessary and whatever funds were required, have been provided, including for Himachal Pradesh. Nitin Gadkari visited during the disaster and sent crores of rupees for road and bridge construction, which Vikramaditya himself has accepted. PM Modi provided as much help as possible to Himachal, and he will continue to do so in the future.
