A dialogue with JC | The ideology is in my heart. It prompted me to come back: Kirodi Lal Meena

Q. Why had you left BJP? How did the change of heart come about for joining ?  

A. I had resigned in 2007 over violence during Gurjar agitation. In 2008 Vasundhara Ji asked me for my opinion on tickets to several seats and I suggested names of cadre based workers. But when the first list came out it had people like Usha Meena and Shailendra Joshi who were straight from the Congress. I objected not just to Vasundhara Raje, but also to national president Rajnath Singh and Advani Ji too, I was assured that the second list would not be so. But it was the same story. I opposed vehemently and as a result I was sacked from the party.     

It is not a change of heart. I agree I am joining when it is the same chief minister who sacked me and cut my ticket. To take a stand in politics, I contested polls, fielded my wife Golma and others and won seats too. But I was always committed to ideology. It is within me and will always stay. The ideology is in my heart. It prompted me come back to family.      

Q. How has entry into the party come about? How it worked out ?  

A. I met the Prime Minister Narendra Modi around a year and a half back. I told him I am at crossroads. He told me to have patience and stay in touch with him and the organisation leaders. I met Amit Shah some 7 - 8 months back and put forth my points. He listened patiently. Indication for Rajya Sabha berth came to me from Delhi and two Rajasthan leaders Rampratap and Yunus Khan got in touch with me. I was keen to be back in the party and when the head of the state and the head of the country wanted me back, I felt this is the best time to be back. 

Q. What is the deal? What have been your demands for joining apart from the RS berth? 

A. There have been no demands whatsoever. I have unconditionally joined BJP. I did not demand a Rajya Sabha ticket. I am committed to the party and its ideology. I did not put any demands for my brother Jagmohan or for my wife Golma Devi. I have come back because of my commitment to ideology. We contested on 134 seats, won 4 and got a vote share of 4.5 %. I have committed workers, but did not make any demands for anyone. My only motto is to work for the party and win hearts.

Q. How would you rate Vasundhara Raje as a chief minister ?

A. She is a visionary, wants to work. She is clever, articulate and deals well with the bureaucracy. But most apologetically I will say that she is kaan ki kachchi (easily swayed by what is told to her). If that was not the case, she is the best.     

Q. You have been in touch with Congress leadership too; why did you not join them?   

A. I can never go to the Congress. My lifelong politics has been about opposing the Congress. I have launched agitations against the Congress and have been hit by lathis. I cannot forget those injuries. And I cannot forget my sanskars, my ideology. I can never have joined them.