Excerpts:

Exit polls are predicting that the BJP is losing some seats in Rajasthan. Why do you think it is happening?

I am sure that the BJP has done very well in the Lok Sabha elections, the results of which will be seen on June 4. The political dynamics are always evolving. While exit polls may show fluctuations, our focus remains on delivering for the people. We are committed to addressing the concerns of the electorate and regaining their trust through our actions and policies.

Can you tell us about your campaign strategy in the Lok Sabha elections?

The BJP is a karyakarta-based party and our strategy was welfare of the state with a nation-first approach. Our campaign slogan was ‘Modi Ki Guarantee’. It focuses on highlighting our achievements, addressing local issues, and engaging with the community. I personally conducted nearly 200 small and big meetings, rallies, roadshows, and public meetings across the state.

What have been your major challenges as CM? Have you felt that some people have not accepted you as CM?

The major challenge is to bring Rajasthan to normal from the undue stress that the previous Congress government has put it into. For instance, the kind of the MoUs for electricity supply and trade the previous government had done were miserable. The state has to provide 1.67 lakh units to the grid during peak summer months of May, June and July, when our demand surges to the highest. We cannot dishonor it because as a state of India we have to honor the commitments of the earlier governments, but this shows the insensitivity of the previous Congress government.

I am not even talking about the law and order situation, paper leaks, etc. Those challenges are huge but we are trying to overcome them as swiftly as we can, and people have accepted our government as committed to serving them despite challenges.

Critics say you lack experience as you are a first-time MLA and became CM. They claim you lack experience in governance and legislative practices…

I don’t know who says that but whoever they are, they are not critics but detractors. My party, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has reposed faith in me.

Did you expect to become CM when you contested? When did you learn about the party’s decision?

I am a dedicated party worker and have been doing whatever the party asked me to. The BJP is a party of disciplined workers and for us, nation comes first, party second and self last. I had worked in the party organization for many years including as state general secretary for almost nine years. I learned about the decision when the party’s leadership decided to give me the responsibility of being Chief Minister and I am putting all my efforts to fulfill it with all sincerity and dedication.

You have been CM for six months now. What do you consider your achievements? Are there any new schemes you have unveiled?

The people of Rajasthan have put their faith in the BJP government in the state and we have started fulfilling the promises. Water is one of the biggest issues in our desert state, and a major achievement of our government is the ERCP agreement with Madhya Pradesh to resolve the water crisis. It will benefit 21 districts in the eastern parts of the state. Similarly, an MoU with the Haryana government for bringing Yamuna water from the Tajewala Head was signed and the work will begin soon. Setting up the SIT for paper leaks and action taken against the culprits is one of the major achievements of the state government. We reduced the VAT on petrol and diesel. In the limited time available before the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) came into effect, the government tried its best to do good for the people.

Have you received the cooperation from your Cabinet colleagues and the party organization?

The party’s top leadership – Modi, party president JP Nadda and Home Minister Amit Shah have full faith in me along with all my legislative colleagues. I am getting all the desired support from the party organization and my Cabinet as well as legislative colleagues.

Do you seek advice from senior leaders like Vasundhara Raje?

The BJP is a party that has a legacy of leadership which is always ready to guide the younger generation. I have the blessings, guidance and support of all senior leaders and colleagues from the party’s state and central leadership.

How do you handle the opposition’s criticism of your government?

Criticism is a part of a healthy democracy, and I take it constructively. We are focusing on transparency and accountability, addressing legitimate concerns. Open dialogue and responsiveness are key to maintaining public trust in a democracy.

Sometimes, we have seen even leaders from your own party voice their concerns against the government. How do you handle dissent and criticism within your party?

There is no dissent among the party leaders or karyakartas. What is being talked about is mainly around governance and we believe in open communication and constructive criticism. Recently, my Cabinet colleague KK Bishnoi and Dag MLA Kaluram Meghwal wrote formal letters addressing the issue of water and electricity in their respective regions; that is not a voice against the government. We listen to them and try to resolve issues through dialogue and actions.

PM Modi talks about his welfare schemes and labharthis. How do you ensure that the benefits of government schemes reach the intended beneficiaries?

We have established a robust monitoring and feedback system to ensure the effective implementation of government schemes. Our administration uses technology to track progress and address issues in real-time, ensuring that benefits reach the intended beneficiaries promptly.

Have you started fulfilling the manifesto promises of 2023?

The BJP’s key manifesto promises in 2023 included improving infrastructure, welfare of farmers, enhancing healthcare, ensuring water security, and creating job opportunities. We have already initiated several projects and schemes to fulfill these promises, with a focus on tangible and time-bound results.

Paper leaks were a major issue during the previous Gehlot government. How are you handling this issue?

The BJP as a party and the Rajasthan government are committed to good governance and corruption-free administration. The paper leak mafia has flourished under the Congress regime. We had set up an SIT for inquiry into the paper leaks and the action is visible to everyone. It was for the first time that serving police personnel and other employees, who were beneficiaries of paper leaks, were arrested. In this government’s short tenure, six major exams were conducted across the state and not a single paper was leaked. Our intentions are clear and we are dealing with these very sternly.

On Saturday, you had a meeting on law and order that lasted for over five hours. Given that crime against women and Dalits often makes headlines, how are you dealing with these issues?

We are strengthening our law enforcement agencies, improving response time, and implementing stricter penalties for crimes against women and Dalits. Special task forces, women police stations, women police desks and support centers have been established to provide immediate assistance and ensure justice for victims.

How do you handle the problem of water and electricity shortages in the state?

We inherited this problem from the previous Congress government. We are tackling water and electricity shortages in the long term by investing in infrastructure improvements, such as new water pipelines and reservoirs. For electricity, we are enhancing grid capacity and promoting renewable energy sources. Additionally, we have implemented efficient management practices to optimize resource usage.

What is Rajasthan doing to help people during the heatwave?

I am personally monitoring the situation of electricity and water and have ordered officials to undertake field visits. To help people during the heatwave, we have set up control rooms at different levels, distributed water and rehydration solutions from PHCs and hospital networks, and launched awareness campaigns on heat safety. We are also ensuring adequate power supply to keep cooling systems running and prevent heat-related illnesses.