‘Ensuring adequate potable water in every village top priority’
Pradeep Narwal, the Congress candidate for Bawani Khera (reserved) constituency in Bhiwani district, has stirred conversation with his surprising nomination. Known for his loyalty to Priyanka Gandhi and his background as a JNU alumnus, Narwal’s entry into the race was unexpected by many within the party. Despite being a newcomer to the area, Narwal, who hails from an SC family in Sonepat district, speaks to Deepender Deswal on a range of issues. Excerpts:
You are described as the party high command’s candidate. What’s your take?
I received the nomination with the blessings of my leaders — Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and Deepender Hooda. I went through the entire party process for ticket allocation.
Since you belong to Sonepat district and are not directly linked to Bawani Khera, why did you choose this constituency?
This is one of the backward segments in Haryana. I expressed my desire to contest from here, and the party leadership approved my nomination.
A faction of the party opposed your nomination. How did you deal with it?
I was pleasantly surprised by the warm reception I received when I visited after the nomination. Of the 78 ticket applicants, 77 are now working with me, and only one is contesting as an Independent. I am receiving support from all castes and communities.
What are the issues and challenges in Bawani Khera?
Water shortage is a major issue here. My top priority is to ensure adequate potable water in every village. I also found that health services are severely lacking, with poorly equipped and non-operational primary health centres. In Bawani Khera town, the urban areas suffer from poor sewerage systems. The school education infrastructure needs significant improvement as well.
You have been a student of JNU, known for politics of ideology. How do you adjust yourself to the caste-driven politics of Haryana?
JNU gave me ideological strength, but this is practical politics. I emerged from the left socialist democratic movement influenced by Nehru, Gandhi, Ambedkar, Azad, and Bhagat Singh — ideals rooted in equality and progressive thought. Campus politics is a utopia where we discuss equality and classless society, and I carry these ideals with me. While caste politics is a reality, it triumphs when divisive forces gain control. We are here to oppose those forces and work toward unity.
Factionalism is a reality in Haryana Congress, with Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Kumari Selja both nurturing aspirations for the CM’s post. What are your aspirations, and do these divisions hurt the party’s prospects?
My only aspiration is to earn the respect of the people of Bawani Khera. Both Hooda ji and Selja ji are working for the betterment of the party.
For how long have you planned to stay in Bawani Khera?
I am here for my lifetime.
