We will not tolerate acts like Rajasamand: Vasundhara Raje

Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje has been in the public eye of late, especially after controversies over 'Padmavati' and the Rajsamand hacking of a Muslim man. DNA's Sangeeta Pranvendra speaks to the CM as she enters the final year of her term. Edited excerpts:

Looking back, how satisfied are you with your performance?

Four years is a very short period. I cannot say I am satisfied, it is a work in progress. We have done some good work and with the continuation of programmes you will see Rajasthan upwardly mobile. We inherited a shaky economy. The four years have been used to change despondence to hope because of opportunities.

What can one expect from the 5th Budget of this tenure?

In the next budget, announcements will be minimised, it will be about implementation. Our focus will on delivery.       

Don't hate crime incidents like in Rajsamand highlight the need for sprucing up the law-and-order situation?

I condemn such acts. We will not tolerate them. Immediate action was taken in the Rajsamand case, and let me tell you, all people irrespective of their caste community are equal before us.

Doctors are agitating, govt employees are striking over pay commission implementation. Why is this not being addressed?

In a democracy all have a right to put across their opinion. But doctors have to address their human responsibilities too. As for the employees, they are our backbone and I have always been with them. But they too will have to understand our financial condition.

There have been several communal incidents across the state…

The government is committed to control all such incidents immediately. The police has done a good job in containing the incidents. I congratulate the police.

Padmavati controversy has prompted you to ban the film in the state. How fair is this?

Padmini is an issue of pride not just for Rajasthan but for the entire country. We support an artist's right to expression, but injury to our dignity will not be accepted. We have merely respected public sentiment.