Rajasthan polls 2023: Jaisalmer locals laud Modi for tubewells and homes boost

JAISALMER: In the scenic setting of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, situated along the border with Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi enjoys substantial popularity among the local residents. Rohan Dua, the Executive Editor of The New Indian, explored various sites in Rajasthan, such as Jaisalmer, Pokhran, Sam, and Longewala, to assess the prevailing sentiments among the people.

In the Mool Sagar region of Jaisalmer, located just 120 km from Pakistan, 80-year-old Tulu Ram conveyed that PM Modi has provided numerous amenities to the people in Jaisalmer, which he did not see during the governments preceding the Congress era. He remarked, “Modi has provided us with tubewells, houses, and electricity. His accomplishments surpass even those of Manmohan Singh. The BJP should secure power in Rajasthan.”

Many people in the region, situated along the route to the Sam Sand Dunes, expressed similar views and regarded him as the most prominent leader in the nation. Dharmendra Malkhat, a member of the ST community and proprietor of a restaurant, remarked, “The BJP should assume control in both the state and at the national level. I envision Vasundhara Raje as the Chief Minister of Rajasthan.”

Another local, Ramniwas Bishnoi said, “Modi is the biggest leader in the country. India is making a mark in the world because of him. Our foreign policy has been strengthened. Everywhere in the world, he is respected. So, the BJP will be good for our state.”

A fourth local, Makul Khan, said that the Muslim community will also side with the BJP because of their good work in Rajasthan during the Vasundhra Raje Scindia-led BJP government in the state. He said, “Vasundhra Raje did good work during her tenure. It seems like the BJP will come to power. We love our nation, our ‘karmabhumi’ (place of work). We were born here and will die here.”

 A homemaker, Manorma Vaishnaw, claimed that the Chiranjeevi Yojana by Ashok Gehlot government, a medical health insurance scheme, exists only on paper while Ayushman Bharat by the BJP has benefitted them a lot.”

She said, “Narendra Modi has launched many schemes like Ayushman Bharat for us. We benefit from that. This Chiranjeevi Yojna by Ashok Gehlot exists only on paper. If we take someone to the hospital, we can’t avail that. We are not getting any benefits from it.”

Ravi Harsh, who owns a medical store in Jaisalmer, said, “Whoever becomes the CM of Rajasthan, our idol is Modi. Everyone follows him.” Dalpat Ram, who belongs to the ST community, wished for the BJP to win the polls. He said, “Modi has done such good work for the country. BJP should form the government in the state.”

Dharmendra Malkhat, a restaurant owner, expressed, “I envision BJP both at state and Centre level and see Vasundhra Raje as our Chief Minister.”