Have to do 25 years' work in just 5: Diya Kumari

How was the experience of canvassing in villages?
It was a great learning experience. I approached people with a positive attitude and they accepted me. I realized that there has been no development in Sawai Madhopur for past few decades; it is a backward area in every sense of the word. People needed someone who could stand by them and connect them with prosperity and bring them at par with other developed areas of the state. That’s why people rose above caste lines and voted for BJP.

How tough was it defeating a big leader like Kirori Lal Meena?
My mission and objectives were very clear. During my entire campaign I never thought about competing with Meena and just did my job. Initially, they (read: NPP) tagged me as an outsider, but when I met people they welcomed me with great enthusiasm. But there’s a flip side to defeating Meena. People feared that if he loses the elections, his supporters will make their life miserable and it’s started happening. I will soon take a call on the matter and address it.

What are your priorities?
For past 30 years, my constituency has remain undeveloped. Covering this gap in just 5 years will be a tough job. Unemployment and lack of basic amenities is the basic problem. My priority will be generating jobs for the youth, who are directionless right now and get pushed into criminal activities as everyone needs money for survival.

Sawai Madhopur is a forest area and non-polluting industries can be promoted. Dairy and agriculture are two important sectors. People are not aware of technical advancements which can change their life, both economically and socially. There is lot of scope for small-scale and cottage industries. Tourism is another sector which can be developed immensely.

Education is yet another area which is on my list of priorities; there are so many things that need immediate attention!

From being a royalty to joining politics; how will you adapt to the change?
It’s a misconception. Times have changed now and we are as good as anyone else. I will spend at least 10 days in my constituency every month.

Was Modi factor prevalent in your constituency?
Narendra Modi’s impact was very much there, but at the same time anti-incumbency against UPA government and its policies that led to inflation and corruption, also worked in my favour.

Congress just did not work in their last days.

Who is your role model?
Narendra Modi, definitely. He has clear vision and is synonyms with growth, prosperity and development. This is the reason why people are relying on him. People ask me why I joined BJP.

It’s only because of leaders, like Vasundhara Raje and Narendra Modi. They can give direction to this country. Modi is definitely PM material.