The seven-decade-old slogan is a connect between two men, two politicians; one king and another commoner - both from Jodhpur.
Ashok Gehlot, the man with many caps, the politician, the common man, the chief minister. But most intrinsically, a man who knows the importance of words. A man who never speaks unless he means it or it has a meaning. And of late he has oft repeated the sentence “mein thansu door nahin” translated means “I am not far from you”. While many read it as his craving and passion for the state, the sentence spoken with characteristic Gehlot smile has a deep message.
The seven-decade-old slogan is a connect between two men, two politicians; one king and another commoner - both from Jodhpur. It is a reflection of their understanding for the changing times and the need to keep themselves relevant among the people in home bastion.
The city was Jodhpur and the year 1952. Independent India had embraced democracy and there would be no kingdoms henceforth. The highly popular then maharaja of Jodhpur, Hanwant Singh, was contesting elections and was to address a huge public meeting at Girdhigar Gate. Crowds jostled to touch his feet and bow before him. The king had sensed the winds of change and knew that in times to come this would change. While addressing the crowds, he told them that henceforth there would be no kings and fiefdoms. And if they wanted him to take care of them he needed to be elected. At the same time establishing his relevance and connect with his people Hanwant Singh gave the slogan; “mein thansu dur nahi” (I am not far from you).
Cut to 1918, Ashok Gehlot the two-time former chief minister and maverick politician is appointed to the coveted prestigious post of AICC general secretary and speculation run rife about him being shifted to Delhi to handle national politics with Rahul Gandhi. In changing scenario where would be based in Delhi Gehlot has picked the well-recognized slogan, “mein thansu door nahi” with all its significance and relevance.
The slogan may be separated by seven decades; but the message on both occasions is sharp, clear and concise. Times may be changing, but the local connect and relevance cannot be undermined. It is a message that cuts across distance and establishes a connect with people. And yes, the similarity doesn’t end here; both Gehlot and Hanwant Singh are magicians in their own right.
Hanwant’s era
- The city was Jodhpur and the year 1952. Independent India had embraced democracy and there would be no kingdoms henceforth.
- Former maharaja of Jodhpur, Hanwant Singh, was contesting elections and was to address a huge public meeting at Girdhigar Gate.
- Crowds jostled to touch his feet and bow before him.
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 "Hanwant Singh")
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