‘Not in race for Cabinet berth’

State BJP general secretary Sanjay Bhatia has won by 6.5 lakh votes, the second highest victory margin in the country. He emerged victorious after two consecutive defeats in the Panipat Assembly seat. In an interview with The Tribune reporter Parveen Arora, he shares his vision for the parliamentary constituency.

Your victory margin has been the second highest in the country. How do you feel winning the prestigious seat with such a mandate?

I am overwhelmed with the response. This is a historic verdict. I was confident of my win with a huge margin. I thank the people of my constituency for reposing faith in me.

Who do credit for your victory?

Undoubtedly, it is the victory of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, and transparent and corruption-free governance of Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. Credit also goes to dedicated party workers, who worked tirelessly, and the electorate, who rose above the barriers of caste and creed and voted for a strong leadership. Voters wanted to see Modi become the Prime Minister again.

What is your vision for Panipat and Karnal districts?

My constituency comprises nine Assembly segments, and each one is important for me. As for Panipat and Karnal districts, I do not differentiate between the two. The Assembly segments in the two districts are on a par for me. My mantra of governance is inclusive development. I will try my best to bring major projects that will generate more jobs for the youth. I will also pursue ongoing projects, besides providing residents with basic amenities. My focus will be to meet the expectations of the people.

There are speculations that you would be included in the Modi Cabinet. 

As you said, these are just speculations. I am not in the race. I am a small-time party worker. Several experienced persons in the party have been elected as MP. They have a better chance than I.

Your political journey has been a long one. In what capacities have you served the party?

I joined politics in 1987 after completing my graduation. I was appointed general secretary of the Panipat Mandal Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM). Later, I served as the mandal president, district general secretary, district president and state general secretary of the BJYM. I was also given the charge of the BJP mandal president and district general secretary, and later the district president. I was elected as chairman of the Panipat Municipal Council. I had unsuccessfully contested the Assembly elections in 2004 and 2009 from Panipat. In the meantime, I was given the charge of the BJP Kisan Morcha. Now, I am serving as the state BJP general secretary.

The election campaigning saw vitriolic attack on the ruling party and the Opposition. What would you like to say to the Opposition now?

The Opposition must focus on constructive criticism so that public matters are flagged from time to time.

The upgrade of the Karnal aviation club to a domestic airport has been hanging fire for long. It has been reduced to a poll promise. Will you raise the matter in Parliament?

As of now, I cannot say anything without going through the file concerned. Let me first check, as I do not want to make any big promise today just to grab the headlines.

Setting the agenda

My mantra of governance is inclusive development. I will try my best to bring major projects that will generate more jobs for the youth. I will also pursue ongoing projects, besides emphasising on basic amenities.