'Unsavoury words were used against me... the results have silenced them'
Hindustan Times|December 04, 2023
Jyotiraditya Scindia, 52, whose move to the BJP in 2020 saw the party return to power after losing the 2018 elections, spoke to HT on the party’s stunning performance in Madhya Pradesh and the road ahead. Edited excerpts:
'Unsavoury words were used against me... the results have silenced them'

Did you anticipate this magnitude of victory?

I’ve always maintained, despite all the sceptics sitting in Delhi and some in Madhya Pradesh, that the BJP is set for a majority victory in Madhya Pradesh. I have always said that we will exceed the magic number of 116.

I never thought it would be a landslide victory like this, almost a two-thirds majority. I would first of all like to thank the people of Madhya Pradesh. The credit for their win foremost goes to the inspiring leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who made it very clear that “Modi ke mann mein MP, aur MP ke mann mein Modi” (MP is in Modi’s mind and Modi in MP’s) and that came across very strongly.

The trust that the people have in him to lead us at the state level and at the national level is evident. The credit also goes to our home minister, Amit Shah, and party president JP Nadda. Throughout the campaign, they worked on the strategy, worked out the minutest details and if it weren’t for their strategy and guidance, this win would not have been possible. At the state level, I would like to thank all my party workers. I would also like to credit Shivraj Singh Chouhan ji, his governance, his vision, and the transformation of Madhya Pradesh over the 18 years of BJP rule. (State) party president Vishwadhar Sharma led our campaign from the front.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM HINDUSTAN TIMESView all
This crash course on India's freedom struggle tests your patience - in a good way
Hindustan Times

This crash course on India's freedom struggle tests your patience - in a good way

We are living in unpredictable times, more so because we have become unpredictable ourselves. Attention spans are now a few seconds, which explains why Reels or short videos are all the rage.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 16, 2024
After Kamala Harris' election defeat, Eva Longoria reveals she no longer stays in US
Hindustan Times

After Kamala Harris' election defeat, Eva Longoria reveals she no longer stays in US

Actor Eva Longoria, 49, who endorsed US Vice President and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris in the 2024 US presidential election, reveals that her family no longer lives in the United States and she is splitting time between Mexico and Spain.

time-read
1 min  |
November 16, 2024
KANIKA DHILLON CLARIFIES DO PATTI IS 'NOT ABOUT TAKING LAW INTO YOUR OWN HANDS'
Hindustan Times

KANIKA DHILLON CLARIFIES DO PATTI IS 'NOT ABOUT TAKING LAW INTO YOUR OWN HANDS'

Kriti Sanon-starrer doesn't promote vigilantism, says Kanika Dhillon on chatter over film's plot

time-read
1 min  |
November 16, 2024
As a Punjabi, I feel immense pride in doing a film in my mother tongue: Nikitin Dheer
Hindustan Times

As a Punjabi, I feel immense pride in doing a film in my mother tongue: Nikitin Dheer

Having done films in Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi, actor Nikitin Dheer is now looking forward to doing a Punjabi film.

time-read
1 min  |
November 16, 2024
'IT'S TIME FOR THE INDUSTRY TO LOOK WITHIN'
Hindustan Times

'IT'S TIME FOR THE INDUSTRY TO LOOK WITHIN'

Actor Huma Qureshi talks to us about how Bollywood needs to understand the audience's pulse better to reconnect with them

time-read
1 min  |
November 16, 2024
Delhiites bag cash prizes worth ₹50 lakh at Electronics Mart's festive lucky draw
Hindustan Times

Delhiites bag cash prizes worth ₹50 lakh at Electronics Mart's festive lucky draw

Electronics Mart raised the festive spirit at its Rajouri Garden store in Delhi with the much-anticipated event titled India's Biggest Festive Offer ₹50 lakh Cashprize Lucky Draw.

time-read
1 min  |
November 16, 2024
A brand-new restaurant reinventing South Indian cuisine
Hindustan Times

A brand-new restaurant reinventing South Indian cuisine

Credited with taking Indian cuisine onto the global stage, ITC Hotels present their pioneering brand in reinvented South Indian cuisine from the ITC stable: Avartana at the ITC Maurya.

time-read
1 min  |
November 16, 2024
Vikrant Massey is effective in this decent recreation of the 2002 Godhra train burning, from the media's POV
Hindustan Times

Vikrant Massey is effective in this decent recreation of the 2002 Godhra train burning, from the media's POV

Actor Vikrant Massey, after delivering the brilliant 12th Fail, is back to zero — Ground Zero — as he mentions in The Sabarmati Report. It is based on the horrific Godhra train burning incident that took place on February 27, 2002, in which dozens of people were charred to death.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 16, 2024
Developing 16-year-old Dhamne still a work in progress
Hindustan Times

Developing 16-year-old Dhamne still a work in progress

Last month after Indian teen Manas Dhamne had a hit with world No.1 Jannik Sinner his fellow former Piatti Tennis Centre trainee in Monte Carlo, Sinner's coach Darren Cahill had something to say.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 16, 2024
How Manisha made it: Cricket mat 'jugaad' and the drag-flick
Hindustan Times

How Manisha made it: Cricket mat 'jugaad' and the drag-flick

Midfielder is central to India chief coach Harendra's plan of building a sturdy group of drag-flickers

time-read
3 mins  |
November 16, 2024