‘Want to make Ambala industrial hub’

Having won Ambala for the third time in his fifth election from this reserved parliamentary constituency, BJP’s Rattan Lal Kataria defeated his nearest rival sitting Rajya Sabha MP Kumari Selja of the Congress by a record margin of 3.42 lakh votes. In an interview with The Tribune reporter Nitin Jain, Kataria said job creation and industrialisation will be his top priorities.

What will be your priorities?

Job creation and industrialisation will be my top priorities this time. Besides, I will take forward the ongoing development works and focus on making Ambala a hub of industry, transportation and logistics. I will get Ambala backward district status so that people get benefit under various government schemes.

What led to your third victory from Ambala by a record margin this time?

My achievements speak for themselves. The Modi tsunami that swept the country and Haryana played a major role in my record victory. The people of my constituency voted for my performance and rejected the false propaganda and arrogance of the Congress.

Whom will you give credit for your win?

My constituents, party workers and all nine BJP MLAs in the constituency worked very hard and tirelessly to ensure my win. People put a stamp on my 100 per cent attendance in Parliament, raising public issues on the floor of the House and bringing big ticket projects to Ambala.

What was the biggest challenge during this election?

The false propaganda by my opponents, especially the Congress, about my “absence” from the constituency was the biggest challenge. Initially, the Congress succeeded in making it an issue but with the passage of time, people realised the truth and refused to get swayed by the lies of my opponents.

Do you see any challenge now?

My record victory margin has raised the expectations of the people. I will try my level best to come up to their expectations and make Ambala a model constituency in Haryana.

Being a three-time MP and a Dalit face of the party, how do you feel after being inducted into the Union Cabinet?

It was the prerogative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I have never demanded anything from the party. I am a very small worker of the BJP. It was up to the party to decide and assign me the duty which I will perform with utmost sincerity and selflessness.

With the Assembly elections round the corner, will you recommend re-nomination of all BJP MLAs in your constituency, barring Naraingarh MLA Nayab Singh, who has won the Lok Sabha election from Kurukshetra?

There is no doubt that all our nine BJP MLAs worked very hard. But when it comes to allocation of ticket, it is the prerogative of the party high command to decide. Yes, if my opinion is sought, I will definitely give my recommendation on merit.