‘I speak for everyone — all 26 candidates of BJP in Gujarat have been chosen by the party. The party decides all’: Union minister, first-time LS poll candidate

AT THE AGE of 69, Parshottam Rupala, the Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, will be contesting his debut Lok Sabha election, from Rajkot. This will also be his first election in 22 years, having lost the last one he contested, in 2002. Rupala, who has been a key organisational figure in the Gujarat BJP, speaks to The Indian Express about the party’s targets in the coming polls, the political landscape of Gujarat, and the challenges during his tenure as Union minister. Excerpts:

* You are contesting an election after 22 years. How prepared are you?

The BJP’s election management happens at three levels. First is the preparedness of the party’s state unit; the second is the planning of our district units; and third is choosing the candidates. The candidate adds to this as per his abilities. To illustrate: the party opened its election offices in all 26 Lok Sabha constituencies in Gujarat as early as January 23. I was selected as a candidate for this (Rajkot) seat. Our state unit and district units were all geared up before that. The moment I landed here, I was able to kickstart my campaign… (And while) I contested my last election in 2002, I have had a presence in all elections (in the state).

To draw from volleyball, we are as prepared as defenders who want to block the ball at the net itself.

* You are from Amreli. Why did you not choose to contest from there?

It is not just me — and I can answer on behalf of everyone — all the 26 candidates in Gujarat have been chosen by the party. The party decides. We are workers.

* But could Amreli have been easier for you?

The party decides.

* How are you seeing the challenge of contesting Lok Sabha polls?

It is not about me. It is all about the strength of our