DNA CONVERSATION: My joining politics isn’t pre-planned, it is God’s will, says Kalpana Devi

Ladpura’s BJP candidate, Kalpana Devi, is a first-time candidate in these assembly polls. However, she claims that she is not new to politics and public life. Her husband and former Kota MP, Ijyaraj Singh, is campaigning by her side. DNA’s Abhishek Tiwari caught up with the Maharani of Kota who starts her daily routine by offering prayers at the temple in “Brajraj Palace” her abode. She leaves by 9 am to meet people in Ladpura, the constituency she has been fielded from by the BJP. Clad in leharia saree, which has become a trademark of women of Rajput royalty in state, she heads straight to her main office about 4 km from the palace in an SUV where her day in public life begins. Excerpts from the conversation:

You are a first time candidate. What are the issues, people in this seat are coming up with?

There are different issues in different areas. The constituency has large sections of rural areas and also comprises of urban areas. In rural areas, there are issues the farmers are facing, which we are trying to sort, while in the urban areas there women safety and hygiene are some of the challenges that have been brought to my attention.  My team is noting down the complaints and we are trying to resolve what is possible with urgency.

How many public meetings are you attending during the day?

As I said the area comprises of both urban and rural areas. I have been holding public meetings in wards and in panchayats in this constituency. I am also meeting the people personally going from lane to lane, from house to house, seeking their support. At times, in a single day, I end up attending more than 20 meetings in a go.

You have just entered politics. How are the voters reacting to your move?

Everybody has welcomed me here in Kota, including in Ladpura. People are giving me a lot of love and I am hopeful that we all will together make Ladpura a better place.

Was it a pre-planned decision to contest elections?

My coming to politics is not at all a pre-planned decision. It really is a sudden one. But I might add I am not new to this field. Over the last 10 years , my husband Maharaj Kumar Ijyaraj Singh has been in active public life. Since 2009, I have been going with him understanding the public issues and demands up front. He was active then, and is more active now.

But what prompted you to throw your hat in the ring all of a sudden?

It was the Gods’ will.

You have just joined BJP. Ijyaraj Singh was in Congress till recently. Are party workers with you?

That you can see for yourself. There is no issue at all. Not only the workers, the entire party brass is working with us for a larger cause.

Sitting MLA Bhawani Singh Rajawat is not visible in the constituency.

He is not keeping well. He has been asking his people to work with us. He shall join us once he regains his health.