With sour and sweet experiences of losing 2019 Lok Sabha against Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav and then wresting Azamgarh seat from SP by defeating Dharmendra Yadav in 2022 Lok Sabha by-poll, Bhojpuri actor-turned-politician and BJP MP Dinesh Lal Yadav Nirhua is confident that he would retain the seat. In an interview with Rajiv Dixithe says people are extending unflinching support to BJP.Excerpts:
As compared to the 2019 and 2022 elections, what challenges are you facing in retaining this seat?
There is no challenge from anyone because people have seen how we did not leave Azamgarh even after losing the 2019 Lok Sabha poll and intensified development works after winning the 2022 byelection. People have seen that they ensured SP’s victory, but they were nowhere to be seen in their celebrations or sorrow. I stood with the people of Azamgarh when they needed me the most. A large number of people, who supported SP with full dedication, are now with us for various reasons.
Based on poll equations, SP is confident of getting full support of Muslims after Shah Alam alias Guddu Jamali joined the party. How is BJP tackling the Guddu Jamali factor?
Guddu Jamali had the support of Muslim voters and crossed the 2 lakh mark in last elections because he was a BSP candidate. Now, he has joined SP in his individual capacity and BSP is not in alliance with the SP. SBSP and Janwadi Party and many others, who stood with the SP in the 2022 assembly election, have now joined hands with us.
Muslim voters are dominant in Azamgarh. How will the BJP face this challenge?
Muslims have availed maximum benefits of the schemes launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. As they have witnessed the execution of all schemes and plans without any discrimination, a large number of Muslims will support us.
SP is banking on caste equations. How do you see the prospects of the party?
SP might be contesting the election on caste and communal equations, but the majority of people are standing solidly behind us as they don’t need a ‘bhagoda neta’ (a deserter). They got nothing in return for their support to SP president Akhilesh Yadav and Dharmendra Yadav. They need an MP, who stays with them and ensures development.
Many people claim that they have not received the benefits of the development works claimed to be done by the BJP. Your take.
SP had gifted jail to Azamgarh. Our double-engine govt ensured the establishment of Maharaja Suheldev State University, a music institute in Hariharpur, an airport, and rail and road network. Development works being done by BJP are evident and being experienced by the people of Azamgarh.
What do you have to offer to the people of Azamgarh?
Proper planning is needed to develop Azamgarh on the lines of Varanasi and Gorakhpur. We have ensured the implementation of the master plan for the planned development of Azamgarh. The city will also get a ring road in the coming years.
As compared to the 2019 and 2022 elections, what challenges are you facing in retaining this seat?
There is no challenge from anyone because people have seen how we did not leave Azamgarh even after losing the 2019 Lok Sabha poll and intensified development works after winning the 2022 byelection. People have seen that they ensured SP’s victory, but they were nowhere to be seen in their celebrations or sorrow. I stood with the people of Azamgarh when they needed me the most. A large number of people, who supported SP with full dedication, are now with us for various reasons.
Based on poll equations, SP is confident of getting full support of Muslims after Shah Alam alias Guddu Jamali joined the party. How is BJP tackling the Guddu Jamali factor?
Guddu Jamali had the support of Muslim voters and crossed the 2 lakh mark in last elections because he was a BSP candidate. Now, he has joined SP in his individual capacity and BSP is not in alliance with the SP. SBSP and Janwadi Party and many others, who stood with the SP in the 2022 assembly election, have now joined hands with us.
Muslim voters are dominant in Azamgarh. How will the BJP face this challenge?
Muslims have availed maximum benefits of the schemes launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. As they have witnessed the execution of all schemes and plans without any discrimination, a large number of Muslims will support us.
SP is banking on caste equations. How do you see the prospects of the party?
SP might be contesting the election on caste and communal equations, but the majority of people are standing solidly behind us as they don’t need a ‘bhagoda neta’ (a deserter). They got nothing in return for their support to SP president Akhilesh Yadav and Dharmendra Yadav. They need an MP, who stays with them and ensures development.
Many people claim that they have not received the benefits of the development works claimed to be done by the BJP. Your take.
SP had gifted jail to Azamgarh. Our double-engine govt ensured the establishment of Maharaja Suheldev State University, a music institute in Hariharpur, an airport, and rail and road network. Development works being done by BJP are evident and being experienced by the people of Azamgarh.
What do you have to offer to the people of Azamgarh?
Proper planning is needed to develop Azamgarh on the lines of Varanasi and Gorakhpur. We have ensured the implementation of the master plan for the planned development of Azamgarh. The city will also get a ring road in the coming years.
