Contesting from Sawai Madhopur constituency for Rajasthan Assembly elections, political debutante and queen of Jaipur, Diya Kumari, is battling caste and communal divide in eastern Rajasthan. The 41-year-old BJP candidate spoke to dna during her whirlwind campaign.
dna: What led you to taking a plunge into politics and elections?
I am connected with social work and other people-related issues. My family has a position and status and so automatically, people have expectations. I wanted to do much more in my social work, but there were many stumbling blocks. It is very difficult to do things for people while being away from politics. It is very simple: if you want to move things, you cannot do it without joining politics.
dna: You were born with a silver spoon. Already, people feel that you will remain inaccessible behind Jaipur Palace after elections. How will you connect with the issues of an ordinary life?
If you know, I am the daughter of an army man. I had a normal childhood just like children of other army men have. I started living in Jaipur only after my schooling. I have seen an ordinary life. I have lived in army quarters, flats and rented accommodation as well. If people allege that I will be inaccessible, they should see what the past representatives have done. They came, were voted and vanished to make their own houses. I don’t need to make my own house.
dna: Your grandmother contested elections on Swantantra Party ticket and your father Bhawani Singh was a Congressman and a close friend of Rajiv Gandhi’s. Why did you switch to the BJP?
I felt disappointed with the Congress. The party has now become synonymous with corruption and scams. I took this decision after much thought and deliberations. My father was a friend of Rajiv Gandhi. There were a lot of expectations from his son, which he has failed to deliver. And now the country has not much hope left with the party and its present leadership.
dna: You are fighting a caste battle and the emergence of a third force in Rajasthan. How will you approach powerful castes and communities in the region?
I believe in taking everyone along. If we have to progress, we cannot leave anyone behind. We have to join hands with all communities, religious groups and castes to tread the path of development. If you divide people, you cannot do it. I say this to Muslims and to people in Meena villages as well. For me, they are all equal.
dna: Your family may be secular, but historically, minorities have reservations against political parties?
I don’t think that holds water anymore. I have no hard feelings. I am a person who believes in keeping everyone together. I have been brought up in a secular atmosphere. Due to my family background, Muslims are responding very well to me. Everybody should be given a chance and everyone should have access to resources.
