It is imperative to have a plan before a battle: Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore

Interview with MP from Rajasthan's Jaipur (rural) parliamentary constituency

In a candid interview, Olympian and first-time MP from Rajasthan's Jaipur (rural) parliamentary constituency, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore tells Sahil Makkar the people of Rajasthan should not lose hope in Prime Minister Narendra Modi on account of denial of Cabinet berths from the state. Rathore says he is educating himself about the issues related to his constituency and how they can be addressed. Edited excerpts:

You have been a sportsman, should people expect you to raise issues related to sport in Parliament?

It is natural that people should associate me with sports, but I have been a soldier for 23 years as well. Both sports and army are revered institutions in our country. Today, the need is to associate such sentiments with discipline. The Army teaches you to have knowledge of all subjects and work efficiently with national pride. It is obvious that there will be work in the realm of sports and defence, but we will be working in other areas as well. For instance, there are a lot of farmers in my constituency, and I will speak for them in Parliament.

What are the main issues of farmers in Rajasthan?

Water scarcity is one of the biggest issues, but I would like to go beyond this issue. My emphasis will be on technology and industrialisation. We would like to produce those items that are consumed here itself, so that we don't have to deal with the problem of transportation. Then we need roads to connect villages with markets. With advanced machines, the labour required would be less. As a result, more and more people may move towards education.

Any specific issues you have prioritised in your constituency?

As I said, my focus would be farmers as well as the youth. Farmers need policies relating to farm loans, water and agro-industries. For the youth, we need to create an enabling atmosphere, so that education is interesting, entertaining and absorbing. This will help them come out as strong individuals that the country can rely on. Sports, education, entertainment and health are inter-related.

How will you help generate employment for youth?

We would like to leverage the benefits of the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor that passes through my parliamentary constituency as well. It is expected that it would generate employment in the surrounding areas of up to 200 km. To benefit from this, we need to prepare for skill and vocational training. We will speak to corporate houses and seek their help. There has to be a bridge between education and jobs. The idea is to leverage the opportunity.

Do you have any deadlines in mind?

This cannot happen overnight. Currently, I am looking for a team and this will take time.

So, what is the plan of action? How will you achieve all this?

I am from the Army and work according to a plan. Before jumping into the battlefield, it is imperative to have a plan. Currently, I am educating myself about the issues and how we can raise them with different ministries and at what level. The process to identify people who can help achieve these goals is underway.

How do you justify the fact that despite a clean sweep of all Lok Sabha seats in Rajasthan, there is not a single Cabinet minister from the state?

Winning seats and getting a Cabinet berth are two separate issues and should not be linked. We have faith that there will be development across the country. We have faith because we are a part of Narendra Modi's team. It doesn't matter who is part of the Cabinet and who is not.

The state leadership has faith in Modi?

When you become part of a team, you repose full faith in the team's captain. Likewise, Rajasthan has to keep faith in our captain (Modi). We should continue to have faith in Modiji. He has helped us get a thumping majority: so why should we lose faith in four days? It is not that we are sitting on the bench and not been given the opportunity to play. We should have patience.

But voters in the state feel dejected and cheated. They feel they should have been given at least one Cabinet portfolio…

That used to be the case earlier. People used to think development takes place only in the state or constituency of a minister. But this notion is not sustainable: as development will take place everywhere.

What needs to be immediately done to improve the situation in sports?

I don't want to comment because there is a sports ministry and a minister. In my constituency, I have already started looking for open field areas that can be converted into low-infrastructure playing opportunities.

Can you explain this concept of low-infrastructure fields?

For example, I have some portion of Jaipur city in my Lok Sabha seat. But in cities you cannot have cricket grounds, so in some areas I can create basketball courts and in some areas have three cricket pitches surrounded by nets. Finally, it is the bowling and batting that matter in cricket. At some places, I will create a room for elders to play cards and carrom. Most importantly, such places would be handed over to the youth of areas who will run the places after charging a permissible club membership fee. This is besides asking schools and colleges to open their fields - from there they can earn revenue.

What message are you taking to your voters from Modi?

I think he gave a fantastic message to all of us. The message is multifaceted and the punchline is: "It (winning a seat) is not a privilege but a responsibility. Devote yourself to people and with commitment let's work for the people for the next five years".

How is working in the Army different from your current role?

Army is undoubtedly a great institution. There are rules and regulations that are followed strictly. Whereas in political life without such strict rules, one can still carry out big tasks. Without any fetters, leaders work in unison because of an ideology.

Between the two lifestyles , which one do you prefer?

It is too early for me to comment. I have had an extremely satisfying career in both the Army and sports. At both the places, especially in sports, I realised the value you bring to the nation doesn't get equally distributed among citizens. Success is limited to an individual. Whereas in this (Lok Sabha), if I work hard, success will reach everyone's home. That is the strength of the platform.

Sports was an individual success?

I didn't want it to be an individual success, but it remained restricted to an individual.