Jaipur, Oct 26 — Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma on Monday said that the BJP provides opportunities for grassroots workers to rise to leadership positions through hard work and dedication.
Recalling his own journey, he said he, too, had once served as a Sarpanch.
Sharma was addressing BJP workers at the Bhatia Mahadev Temple complex in Khamera in the Ghatol region of Banswara district. Referring to party workers who have risen through the ranks, he said there was no telling when a grassroots worker in the BJP could become a leader.
He pointed to BJP district president Punjilal Gayari, who was seated on the stage, and said thousands of workers had advanced through their dedication and hard work.
After the public meeting, as the Chief Minister stepped down from the stage and interacted with party workers, a Sarpanch told him, “Sir, I am a Sarpanch.”
Sharma responded with a smile, “I, too, was once a Sarpanch.” His spontaneous remark drew laughter and cheers from those present.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the growing participation of women in governance, saying the BJP had provided opportunities for women to advance and would continue to do so.
Recalling his agricultural background, Sharma said he had milked cows and buffaloes, ploughed fields and harvested mustard, giving him an understanding of the difficulties faced by farmers.
“If farmers are empowered, the nation will also be empowered,” he said.
He added that under the Rising Rajasthan initiative, five lakh people had secured employment.
He also highlighted the provision of daytime electricity to farmers in 26 districts of the state.
Congratulating party workers on the BJP’s victory in local body elections, Sharma said the state government had been fulfilling its commitments over the past two and a half to three years.
He described the Ghatol region as an important centre connecting Pratapgarh, Banswara and Salumbar districts.
He called for strengthening rural development by adding a “third engine” to the existing double-engine government.
Describing Banswara, Dungarpur and Pratapgarh as the “Kashmir of Rajasthan”, Sharma said Banswara had significant development potential. He said large industries would be established in the region and tourism would generate employment opportunities for young people.
Taking an indirect swipe at the Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP), the Chief Minister alleged that some political forces were attempting to mislead young people.
He urged BJP workers to engage with the youth and assure them that the government was committed to providing employment opportunities.
Sharma said elections were a test for every party worker and called for unity and collective efforts to develop villages.
He urged workers to remain confident and work towards the region’s progress, citing its potential in industry and tourism.