BJP’s Tejasvi Surya says will strive to be the voice of young Indian
Tejasvi Surya, the 28-year-old BJP MP from Bengaluru South, says he will strive to build new Karnataka, new Bengaluru in tune with the PM’s vision of New India
Tejasvi Surya, the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) wonderkid is having a dream run. At 28 years age, the qualified lawyer is all ready to don the khadi and enter the Lok Sabha after he decimated his opponent from the Congress by a margin of over 331,192 votes in the prestigious Bengaluru South constituency. Surya, who has served in various positions of the party, is well known for his passionate speeches on the right wing, nationalism and his dedication towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose policies the former has defended at every possible occasion. Surya now appears to have tempered down a bit as he assumes a new role.
Greeting the barrage of visitors at his home in Giri Nagar in upscale Basavanagudi, Surya shares a quick word with Mint on his victory, the next course of action and his future plans. Edited excerpts.
Did you expect this kind of mandate?
To be very honest and not sound audacious, during the campaign, it was very clear that the love people had for Narendra Modi in the constituency was exemplary. I personally believe that every single vote that is cast on the Lotus symbol in the country is a recognition and an expression of gratitude for the prime minister’s lifetime of work and dedication in the service of the motherland. I also felt that the constituents of Bengaluru south was extremely enthused with the idea of the PM choosing a young candidate who they believe will bring in new energy and dynamism and a new sense of purpose to the states polity. Therefore both these factors contributed immensely to the kind of response we got. I did expect that we will get a massive margin.
What is your next course of action?
The role of a member of Parliament (MP) primarily is to engage in meaningful deliberations in the Parliament and I will strive to be the voice of the young Indian and voice his aspirations, sensitivities. The PM has already articulated a grand vision of New India and the institutions of the country are now being restructured and being infused with fresh energy so as to achieve this grand vision of New India. Therefore, I will strive to building of new Karnataka, new Bengaluru in tune with the PM’s vision of New India.
Where do you propose to start? Is there a timeline?
Whether it is to bring in additional funds to improve the infrastructure, overhauling its structure, public mobility, sewage connection, lake rejuvenation or tackling Bengaluru’s pressing water woes. These are issues that need to be simultaneously addressed and I will can only press upon the state and central government to consider these issues that are of primary importance and highlight them at appropriate levels of decision making.
I think it’s too early to comment on the next five years as these are complex issues that do not have a magic wand solution. They need to be thought through. I personally believe that for a long time in this country, urban policy has not been given importance the manner in which it deserves.
What are the chances that you will be part of Modi’s new cabinet?
I have no such aspirations nor such ambitions. People of Bengaluru South have already given me a massive mandate and work. My candidature had created ripples across the country and also enthused a lot of young people. I have a lot of expectations that I am carrying that I want to honestly fulfil. I have done everything that my party has directed me to and have it earnestly, efficiently and have excelled in it.
What do you make of the conflict between the Karnataka government and the Centre?
People of Karnataka had given a very clear mandate to the BJP in 2018 and I am sure that the mandate will be respected in 2019. The problem of having two different governments at the state and the Centre with different political complexions will not be a problem any more. I am implying that there will be a change in government.
How do you think this will happen?
These are political questions that only when circumstances only when they evolve can make out. Let’s just wait and watch.
Is marriage on the cards.
Only thing on my mind is to win more hearts of the people of my constituency and the country by performing my duty as the MP in a very effective, honest and earnest manner.
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First Published:25 May 2019, 01:18 AM IST
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