WINNING ELECTION IS NOT MODI MAGIC, IT’S MODI MEHNAT: Dr VINAY SAHASRABUDDHE

Speaking to Pawan Arora, CEO and Managing Editor of First India, BJP’s Rajasthan election incharge, Dr Vinay Sahasrabuddhe gives an insight into how the party strategises and works on an election, how even the smallest of election is fought with utmost seriousness and how BJP is going to win all 25 seats in Rajasthan making a hat-trick of victories. Excerpts...

Q. The BJP is hoping to make a hat-trick by winning all 25 Lok Sabha seats this time as well. Are there any seats, on which, according to you, the party may face a challenge?

A. I believe such classification is unnecessary and impractical because the ground situation is constantly changing. In the past, election campaigning dominated public mood with flags, posters, and election material everywhere in constituencies. But now due to the ‘Model Code of Conduct’ that sort of election atmosphere is not visible now a days. But since people have to vote hence, they have their preferences and some psephologists claim that election outcomes are ascertained six months prior to the date of polling and not that people decide a fortnight or a week prior to the day. Despite this, the election landscape evolves significantly during the fortnight of campaigning. Other parties’ campaign strategies, statements made, and media coverage of these statements contribute to this dynamic environment. Therefore, the situation that existed yesterday may not be the same today. Our party views every election as a challenge, which is why we approach each one with utmost seriousness and dedication. People question the necessity of Home Minister Amit Shah campaigning in Hyderabad’s municipal election. I ask them: why wouldn’t it be necessary? He is also a dedicated party worker, committed to the cause even as a leader. Such actions should be appreciated. His involvement led to our success. In every election, we work seriously, involve our workers, and never take voters for granted. PM Modi addresses multiple rallies in extreme heat because we are accountable to the people. He advocates the ‘politics of performance’. Can any other party claim to follow this and deliver? We have a track record of saying and doing what we promise.

Q. What pressure does Vinay Sahasrabuddhe feel on himself regarding ensuring victory on all 25 seats of Rajasthan?

A. Despite the pressure, our strong and empowered organisation supports us. With a hardworking Chief Minister and the continuous motivation from PM Narendra Modi, BJP President JP Nadda, and Home Minister Amit Shah, who closely monitor Rajasthan’s developments, we are confident of achieving a hattrick for BJP in Rajasthan this time.

Q. PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah are in their own league. But BJP puts emphasis on booth and focuses so much on training of workers, the campaigning is done strongly, but despite that BJP can not imagine winning election without Modi magic?

A. I would request you to not term it magic. Once in the Rajya Sabha also I had said that this is ‘Modi Mehnat’ (hardwork) and not ‘Modi Magic’. If you term it magic then you can’t analyse it but when its hard work, one can analyse it. The manner in which PM Modi implemented various things, progress is no longer just a dream. I experience development when I travel on Vande Bharat train or fly to lesser-known towns. New opportunities arise due to widespread internet coverage. I believe development is now within reach wherever I am.

Q. Senior BJP leaders like Om Mathur, Vasundhara Raje, Om Birla and others are not visible outside of their own regions. Is it because PM Modi had said in a public meeting that leaders need not come to all his meetings, rather they should focus on their areas, or is there any other reason behind these leaders not moving to other areas for campaigning?

A. It is certainly due to PM Modi’s words.. I have had several discussions with Vasundhara Raje and sought her guidance since I arrived. During Navratri, she focuses on prayers and puja, which is why she may not be highly visible now. However, after Navratri and Ram Navami, she will actively campaign wherever needed. Om Mathur, another senior leader, provided guidance and played a role in finalising candidatures as a member of our poll panel. He concentrates on his area and campaigns with us when needed, similar to other senior leaders like LS Speaker Om Birla.

Q. What will be your role after the LS polls get over? Will you continue to play a role in Rajasthan BJP or have you been tasked with only the role of election incharge? Will you play the role of friend, philosopher and guide to the state government after the polls are over?

A. It’s the right question at the wrong time because only our leadership can provide the answer. We are always ready to fulfil any role or responsibility entrusted to us.