As the date of election is fast approaching, political canvassing heat up in Western Odisha especially for Lok Sabha polls as heavyweights of three major parties have descended on the poll battle. One of the stalwarts is Jual Oram, a well-known tribal face of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has crossed the swords with his rival candidates from his home turf Sundergarh from where he has been elected to the parliament several times. The veteran tribal leader, who had been holding the Ministry of Tribal Affairs many times since Vajpayee’s regime, has eyed a record-breaking victory this time from Sundergarh Lok Sabha seat.
The sexagenarian politician, who claimed to have done much for Sundergarh during his tenure as MP and Union Minister, has expected massive mandate in favour of him and other BJP candidates in his constituency and State as well.
In a telephonic conversation with Editor-in-Chief of Ommcom News Jajati Karan, the veteran leader shared his vision, agenda and interest for Sundergarh parliamentary segment.
Excerpts—
Q-Give us three reasons why the people of Sundergah will vote for you this time.
Ans– The first reason is PM Narendra Modi’s welfare policy and development trend i.e Sabka Saath, Sabka Bikash, Sabka Prayas. The second reason is that I have implemented Modi’s plans and programmes properly in Sundergarh; be it second Brahmani bridge, Rourkela super specialty hospital, smart city Rourkela, Bimalgarh-Talcher railway line. All these things will be reflected in the election. Thirdly, I have been serving the people of Sundergarh irrespective of party lines selflessly in my 35 years long tenure in politics. I consider the people of Sundergarh as my own family members. Therefore, I believe that people will bless me in this election.
Q- You are undoubtedly a popular leader in your area as you have been elected to the parliament several times. But, what challenges are you facing this time?
Ans– I consider myself as a challenge. Last time, I had won the election by a record margin of 2.26 lakh votes. I am working to break the records this time. I don’t think any political opponent as a challenge before me.
Q- What is the reason of such confidence?
Ans- My tireless work for the people for the last 35 years, hard work of our party workers and party’s policies and vision give me such confidence.
Q- What three major changes would you like to bring in Sundergarh if you are voted to power this time?
Ans- I would like to give a further push to Bimlagarh-Talcher Railway line so that I and my people can board a train from my home station and land in Bhubaneswar smoothly. Another area of focus would be to convert the Rourkela airport into an all-weather airport. I would like to work on how the policies of the central government reach people more vibrantly.
Q- What is your assessment for Odisha as far as the Assembly election is concerned?
Ans- I believe that Odias with high self-esteem would never tolerate the rule of an outsider. Naveen Babu is unable to sign on a file now. The CMO is functioning with the digital signature of the Chief Minister. This is an insult to the people of Odisha. So, they would surely take revenge for this.
Q- What is your prediction for Odisha?
Ans- There will be a ‘double-engine Sarkar’ this time. Narendra Modi will become the prime minister for the third term and BJP will form government in Odisha.
Q- What is your prediction in terms of numbers of seats for both MPs and MLAs?
Ans– I can’t tell you the exact figure right now. That depends on the hard work of our ‘karyakartas’ and the current political equation. But, I am confident that we will come out with a major strength in terms of MPs and MLAs.
Q-You had been a minister in the Centre since the time of Atal Bihari Vajpayee? Why you were not included in the Cabinet last time? Are you keen on having the same cabinet berth i.e Ministry of Tribal Affairs this time?
Ans- I am contesting the election to become an MP. It is the prerogative of the Prime Minister to whom he will pick for his Cabinet. Even not being a minister, I was a member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence which is not less than the post of a minister.
