Rajasthan: Manifesto is empty promise, will publish vision document, says Ghanshyam Tiwari

It was sharp 1:35 pm when state president of Bharat Vahini Party (BVP), Ghanshyam Tiwari, filed his nomination as a candidate from Sanganer constituency of Jaipur city. Tiwari has won the past three assembly elections from the same constituency for the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP). After a long-drawn battle with BJP's present leadership in state and at the centre, he switched to BVP, a party founded by his son. As nominations opened for Rajasthan assembly elections, Tiwari became the first BVP candidate to file his papers for nomination. Talking to DNA, he expressed his confidence in winning the seat again. Excerpts...

Your nomination has preceded an official declaration of tickets by the BVP. When shall the candidates of your party be declared?

We shall be contesting the assembly elections on 80 of the 200 seats in Rajasthan. The first list will be declared tomorrow. We have finalised the names. The remaining names shall follow in the coming days.

BVP has not yet declared its manifesto. What is its poll plank?

We have decided that will not have a manifesto, for the manifestos of political parties have remained a heap of unfulfilled promises. We will, however, have a vision document. It will be declared soon.

What shall this vision document include, if not promises.

It will instead share our work intention and objectives. Not mere assurance but a plan to improve condition of electricity companies, save farmers from debt, improve education and health facilities.

BVP is not even contesting half the seats...

The remaining seats will be shared with our allies. We are looking at the best possible combination. I can assure you that the next government in the state will need our support.

The ruling party has declared its first list. Any take on it?

It's Vasundhara Raje's list. Her favourites have been extended the opportunity. If not the favourite, their family members have been accommodated neglecting the party workers.

Any of those leaders in contact with you?

Yes, some of them are. I will not disclose the names as a formal announcement is yet to be made. Their role will be decided soon.

What about BJP's chances in the polls?

The BJP, as I have earlier said, has deviated from its principles. The party leadership has been neglecting the workers and the party is in for a definite loss.