Bairwa’s Unyielding Journey from Labour to Leadership, Weaving Dreams and Defying Odds

During the ‘KeyNote By Pawan Arora’, Dy CM Prem Chand Bairwa opens up to CEO and Managing Editor of First India News - Pawan Arora, providing insights into his challenging past. Bairwa shares details of his perseverance through odd jobs to sustain his education, narrates his entry into the political sphere of the state, outlines his vision for Dudu constituency and dist, and expounds on his broader aspirations for Raj. Excerpts…

Q. In states with coalition governments, it’s a common practice for Chief Minister to represent main alliance, while Dy CM’s role goes to representative of the allied party. However, with a clear majority government in Rajasthan, what factors lead to the appointment of two Dy CMs?
A. The BJP aims to allocate responsibilities to every party worker, ensuring that each individual can contribute based on their abilities and experience.

Q. There is often speculation about whether the role of Dy CM entails more authority than that of a department minister or if it is primarily an honorary position?
A. I hold the view that this position is a responsibility, and it should be discharged with integrity and an innovative approach to ensure success of the work we undertake.

Q. Could you shed some light on your early years spent in a modest setting, where you were involved in rearing goats, working as farm labour, and even taking up the task of stitching clothes?
A. I hail from a small ‘dhani’ with about twenty houses. My journey began in rural Mozamabad, where I faced challenges early on after my mother’s demise during my fifth standard. With my father working away, I lived with my brother and sister-in-law, commuting nine kilometres to school. Financial constraints led me to shift from agriculture to stitching clothes. Despite hardships, I pursued arts, completing my MA and delving into various jobs. I juggled work from 6 AM to 6 PM in Jaipur, even doing labour jobs. Undeterred, I earned my MA, M.Phil, and PhD, initially supporting myself through stitching until venturing into an LIC agency. Winning the Jaipur Zila Parishad election in 2000 marked my entry into politics, aligning with BJP. In 2013, I became an MLA, focusing on reducing case pendency and fostering law and order. The subsequent increase in pendency after my term underscores the impact of my efforts.

Q. Despite favourable circumstances, what led to your poll defeat in 2018?
A. Personal challenges played a significant role in my electoral loss in 2018. My brother’s critical condition, requiring intensive care just before ticket announcement, demanded my attention for over a month. By the time I received ticket, he had passed away. Despite commencing campaigning after 12- day rituals, the limited time impacted our outreach. Entry of an RLP candidate, coupled with substantial Jat population in my area, created a disconnect with young voters. Regrettably, we couldn’t address this, leading to our defeat.

Q. Will BJP conduct student union polls?
A. Govt has opted not to proceed with student union polls, a process that was initially initiated by Congress but subsequently discontinued by them.