Dyodhi, Jaipur Rural: Union minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore has made a scathing attack on the Congress, accusing the party of continuing with caste-based politics and indulging in divide and rule.
On the offensive, the minister, who is the Bharatiya Janata Party’s candidate for Jaipur (Rural) constituency, took a dig at Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s remarks that she wasn’t aware of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s caste.
“Congress has ruled by one and only one principle — to divide and rule. They divide the society on the basis of caste and then handpick those who consolidate caste votes,” said Rathore, who holds the portfolios of information and broadcasting and sports and youth affairs.
“This is Congress’ reality and they have been doing it for years. Now, because of the social media and other media forums, people are becoming aware of this caste-based politics,” Rathore added.
He, however, believes that caste may still hold relevance in specific contexts but added that its role in politics is on the decline.
“Caste has its importance in some places. But the world is expanding and modernisation is kicking in,” Rathore said. “The use of caste in politics has reduced and will continue to decline in the coming years. Now, many youngsters are feeling insulted as Congress is still treating them as its vote-bank.”
Rathore’s constituency votes on 6 May, which is the fifth phase of polling in the seven-phase elections.
Nationalism or farmer distress?
A minister with an Army background, Rathore has a strong opinion on issues related to national security. Speaking to ThePrint, he was quick to ask why nationalism and security should not be issues in these elections.
“We have taken steps to ensure development but we have also worked to secure the nation,” the minister said. “We will uproot corruption, casteism and terrorism from the country. We will clean up the country.”
On the issue of farm distress, Rathore, whose constituency has a considerable number of farmers, accused the state government of blocking funds sanctioned for them by the Modi government.
“The central government had received 30 lakh applications from Rajasthan for the Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. But state government sat on the applications,” Rathore said.
Under the Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, small and marginal farmers, who have less than two hectares of land, are entitled to receive up to Rs 6,000 as minimum income support.
Rathore further accused the Congress-led Rajasthan government of denying people of the state central government benefits.
“The Centre wanted to give 10 per cent reservation for economically backward people but the state government never let people avail it,” he said. “The Congress fears Modi too much.”
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On the campaign trail
In sweltering weather, on the road for hours with intermittent stops to greet and meet the people from his constituency, Rathore’s prized possession is a water bottle. “Keep drinking water as you may get dehydrated,” he tells those accompanying him.
With polling day approaching, he is about to complete the third round of the gram panchayats falling in his constituency. “I have been a regular to these villages but with polls, we need to do as many public meetings as we can to inspire them to go out and vote in this summer,” Rathore said.
An Olympic silver medallist, Rathore is facing off with another sportsperson at Jaipur (Rural) as the Congress has fielded the Commonwealth Games gold medallist Krishna Poonia, a former discus thrower.
Rathore, however, is quick to dismiss suggestions that this resembles a sports bout.
“The Congress has always seen it as a match. This is a serious contest,” he said. “These elections are all about good governance and a new India.”
Also read: Why the Congress party should stop apologising about dynasty
We respect you but I must say you are blind.
Rathore knows nothing about anything. He has a typical sportsman’s intellectual prowess. He’s the man who installed Chauhan as the FTII Chairman.
Only the BJP divides on religion and caste. To blame Congress for what the BJP is doing is nothing but lies!