Harish Meena seems to be coming to terms with the rough and tumble of politics. Looking tired after the hectic campaigning, he spoke to Urvashi Dev Rawal in Dausa.
From the disciplined police service to the chaos of politics. How has the journey been?
It hasn’t been too hard. I was in contact with people earlier too when I was DGP. But there it was a more formalised contact. Here it is direct contact. It has been a good learning experience.
How is it contesting against your brother?
He was sitting MP from Tonk-Sawai Madhopur and his party denied him the ticket. He should not have come here to contest. He has no claim here.
How has the response of the people been? Do you feel your opponents are stronger?
I am happy with the response. As the ruling party, the BJP has an advantage and the Modi wave will work in our favour. The Meenas here want to get rid of Kirori. He has exploited the community politically, financially and emotionally. He is responsible for the community being backward.
Both Kirori Meena and Namo Narain Meena have been MPs but they had no agenda nor raised issues of the people in Parliament.
They never spoke about reservation in Parliament, this shows their hollowness and lack of commitment.
Both Kirori Meena and Namo Narain Meena have been MPs but they had no agenda nor raised issues of the people in Parliament.
They never spoke about reservation in Parliament, this shows their hollowness and lack of commitment.
Do you think caste and money are major factors in elections?
I think those who don’t have any ideology depend on things like caste and money. Otherwise elections should be fought on issues of ideology, development and harmony among people.