The Hindu : I have no enemies, says Shekhawat

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Jul 22, 2002

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I have no enemies, says Shekhawat

JAIPUR JULY 21. ``I have no enemies — only friends — in politics and this will help me conduct my job as Vice-President impartially and gracefully,'' Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, nominee of the ruling National Democratic Alliance and Bharatiya Janata Party leader, has said.

Claiming that he would win the election easily, the 79-year-old Mr. Shekhawat, thrice Rajasthan Chief Minister, said here today: ``no one is doubting my victory. Everybody is keen on my victory margin.'' And ``I have friends in all political parties which is evident from the congratulatory calls I receive from leaders of different hues.''

On his decision to quit Rajasthan politics after 50 years, Mr. Shekhawat said that it had been an "emotional and difficult one." However, he would enjoy his new role also. Asked whether his absence would create a void in the Rajasthan BJP, he said ``the notion that there will be a vacuum in the State after me is wrong. The party has its roots and dedicated workers and leaders who know how to conduct the party affairs.''

That an "ordinary man" like him could aspire for such a high office showed how great the Indian democracy was, Mr. Shekhawat said.

A firm believer in destiny, he said that he never dreamt of being elevated to any office when he contested the election to the Rajasthan Assembly in 1952.

``I learnt to study hard and prepare for the Assembly debates from my friend, H. K. Vyas, a communist member in the first Assembly... Vyas used to come well prepared for the debates in the House and inspired by him, I took a vow to become a good parliamentarian,'' he said.

He recalled the comment of the then World Bank chief, Robert Mcnamara, on his ``Antyodaya'' scheme for the uplift of the poorest of the poor that he would be remembered as the second Rockfeller, an American philanthropist.

Overwhelmed by the love and affection showered on him by the people of Rajasthan, Mr. Shekhawat said that he would be in touch with them as it was with their support that ``I have reached where I am." — PTI

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I have no enemies, says Shekhawat