He was nowhere in the scene when murmur about the Rajya Sabha poll started in Jharkhand. However, Mahesh Poddar, who has been holding the treasurer post in the State BJP for last 20 years, emerged as real dark horse when the election concluded on June 11. The Pioneer talked to the newly elected ‘Elder’ on policy matters, his way for development of Jharkhand and of course the game, which he describes as race, played out for the lone seat. Excerpts:
Winning the election as a ‘local’ candidate, a rarity for Jharkhand, what would be your prioritiesIJ
For me, GST is the biggest issue which has implications all over the country. Even Congress people are willing to do it barring a few. Other smaller parties are also ready. I guess that they would not be able to stop it in terms of number instead, they would try to create obstacles to wash out the Monsoon Session. Our priority would be to pass the GST Bill in the Rajya Sabha since there are lots of things involved in it like making the entire country as one economic zone like the European Union. I believe that role of GST is going to be the biggest in showcasing NDA Government’s performance ahead of next general elections.
How do you think Jharkhand is going to be benefited out of GSTIJ
Take for example Jharkhand is the only State where three big steel plants are located. Besides, here is iron ore, coal and several other minerals. The State gets just 2 per cent CST on these minerals when sold to the consumers or stock transfer takes place. If GST happens, the flow of revenue would grow immensely to the State. This would lead to more expenditure and the entire economy of the State go for a churn with more employment generation etc.
It has always been a matter of debate about which model Jharkhand should adopt which can balance its industrial face with humanitarian values. What are your views on thatIJ
I firmly believe that no business has right to continue if is being done by ignoring the humanitarian ethos. Human first. We have to balance human aspect and trade and none can sustain at the cost of the other. Due to historic reasons there are suspicions in the back of the mind of the people. They are apprehensive that their future would deteriorate further particularly because of displacement.
But the fact is that you cannot stop displacement entirely. If you want to bring new things like industry, more employment opportunities, infrastructure etc then you need space which can be obtained only through relocating people. But, you cannot just pay them for their land and chase them out. I think, rehabilitation is the only way to deal with displacement. People of the State have been in poverty and do not know how to handle money. Often we see the compensations paid are misused and they got cheated by middlemen. Instead, the displaced should be provided means of livelihood to sustain.
Often we have seen that MPs going to Rajya Sabha from Jharkhand remain mute spectators and do not actively participate in debate. How would you be able to correct the imageIJ
See when regional parties go there they do get much time to speak since their strength is low. Since I would be representing the BJP, which is a ruling party, if you have talent, you get sufficient time. I expect that I would be getting sufficient time.
How would be able to become a bridge between the Centre and the State and play your role in implementing policiesIJ
What I see the Centre and State are working in tandem at present. The Centre is providing all help to the State which, in turn, is equally responding by implementing policies for the wellbeing of Jharkhand. For example, take massive water conservation drive. I wish this coordination to continue.
The election has also been outstanding in terms of the BJP in the State. It won two seats out of nowhere. How this is going to boost the stature of the Chief MinisterIJ
When the Chief Minster accepted this challenge and had fielded second candidate the intention was to win. When the election started both we and JMM were equal with 19 votes on each side. We were at the same position at the starting line. Both of us have to arrange supports which both tried. But at the end we remained just nose ahead of them. We had started race on equal footing.
How this has boosted the image of the partyIJ
The win has grown our confidence a lot and their’s taken a dip. We emerged better united while they are defragmented and rattled lot. Their coming together against the BJP is far from understood when they have fought Assembly byepoll so fiercely not long ago among themselves. The united Opposition reduced noting but to a gathering which was unholy.
But the perception also went out that the way the election was managed was kind of dirty politics in the annals of Jharkhand.
I feel politics is not dirty. It is raised by those who acquire everything for themselves but object to the others. For example, look at the Congress stand a few weeks before the election and when an AICC leader comes at the end from Delhi. The JVM said they are against dynastic politics! What transpired since thenIJ That is dirty politics by their own definition. We were seeking votes based on conscience from Independents.
Allegations are machineries were misused to stop some MlAs from votingIJ
This is a vague allegation. Had there been any truth in this, the matter would have reached to the court. Their lawyer went to Supreme Court where they did not get any relief.
Were you sure about your win from the beginningIJ
Yes. I was sure to win. My party was sure to win. We tried very hard though, like they did. Somehow we managed to remain ahead in the end while their steps shacked probably due to power they were getting from got disconnected.