Posted by Jodhpur: Congress candidate Karan Singh Uchiyarda is contesting from Jodhpur Lok Sabha constituency from Rajasthan. He is up against BJP leader and Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. Karan Singh has even called Shekhawat an outsider in the constituency as he comes from Sikar. Karan Singh Uchiyarda also slammed PM Modi’s statement allegedly targeting Muslims and even calling them infiltrator. TV9 Network caught up with the Congress leader during the campaign trail and posed at him pointed questions regarding the election in his constituency.
Q: Why did you refer to Gajendra Singh Shekhawat as an outsider?
Karan: People gave him two opportunities to serve as a minister, yet he failed to work for Jodhpur. Rajasthan received four smart cities, three of which went to smaller districts. I reminded him of his roots in Sikar because he neglected Jodhpur. Aadmi Kaam Se Bada Banta Hai…people won’t believe when you won’t work. He (Shekhawat) couldn’t work for 10 years. I am going to people and telling them to seek 10-year work report from Shekhawat.
Q: After the Purshottam Rupala incident, do you think Rajputs will vote for you?
Karan: Not only Rajputs, but Brahmins are also supporting me. I pioneered the EWS reservation and funded the reservation campaign myself, rejecting inducements from Vasundhara Raje.
Q: What’s your response to PM Modi’s statement on Muslims as ‘infiltrators’?
Karan: It’s unfortunate for the country’s democracy when the Prime Minister makes such statements. We must wake up to this danger.
Q: Do you believe the Modi wave still exists?
Karan: I don’t see any Modi wave. If I need to admit my wife to AIIMS, I can’t expect Modi to help. Local representatives should be relied upon as Modi doesn’t have time for everyone.
Q: Will Kangna Ranaut’s visit to the constituency have any effect?
Karan: Don’t worry, Karan Singh Uchiyarda will triumph over all of them.