What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
The journey of Harsh Sanghavi from a self-made diamond merchant to that of Gujarat’s most important politician has been meteoric. One of the reasons for 38-year-old Sanghavi’s popularity within the party ranks has been his extreme dedication to the larger causes the party espouses and his closeness to the top leadership. He is known to be close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Sanghavi was the youngest MLA in 2012 when he was elected for the first time at the age of 27 from Majura constituency.
Today, he holds as many as nine portfolios in the Gujarat cabinet. He is the second most powerful leader in the state after Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel
The New Indian team caught up with him on the sidelines of his roadshow in Kalol, where he was campaigning for Bakaji Thakor. Kalol comes under Gandhinagar Loksabha constituency that belongs to Amit Shah
He spoke about issues ranging from AAP’s irrelevance in Gujarat polls to the issue of increasing drug seizures in the state.
Urvashi Khona: How do you assess the lower voter count in first phase? Is that a matter of concern for BJP in regions like Saurashtra?
Harsh Sanghavi : People of Gujarat and BPJ are going to create a history. There is an old connection between BJP and Gujaratis. That connection is flourishing and prospering. I believe Congress has failed to see that their traditional voters come out and vote for our party.
Urvashi Khona: Why is the BJP not acknowledging the fact that AAP too could be a factor this election. They have been campaigning aggressively and Arvind Kejriwal has claimed that AAP is forming the government in Gujarat.
Harsh Sanghavi: It’s not as if we are not considering AAP. If people of Gujarat are not considering AAP then what can we do. It’s not compulsion for people of Gujarat to consider every person. It is their prerogative who they want to bring to power. I tell you that connection of BJP and people is already established and it is growing for sure…
Urvashi Khona: But why you never take name of AAP?
Harsh Sanghavi: Congress has always brought such third party like AAP.
Urvashi Khona: Your connection with PM Modi is special. How has this journey from a diamond merchant to a young politician and then the Home Minister been for you?
Harsh Sanghavi: I am a Sainik and a Karyakarta of BJP. I come from a simple family. Whatever responsibility BJP has given to me, I perform it like my sacred duty. My aim is to be the finest Karyakarta.
Urvashi Khona: Opposition says under your rule it’s become easy to do drug business? What would you say about such allegations?
Harsh Sanghavi: You should ask the opposition whether it better to seize drugs or facilitate drug business for profits as is happening in Punjab.
