Ahirs seek ‘public utility’ ministries for Arti

While the BJP is yet to announce the portfolios for its leaders, Ahirwal has sought ‘public’ utility ministries for debutant MLA Arti Rao. Arti visited her constituency Ateli to take stock of immediate demands and expectations of her voters and Ahirwal residents in general. Following the meeting, various Ahir mahasabhas and community organisations issued a demand for ‘important’ ministries like irrigation, public health, PWD etc for her.

“Our region has been supporting the party for 10 years, but we still have irrigation, road and health facility issues. We want our MLA to handle this as only then can we see the face of development. We have got to know that they are trying to give her what they think are ‘women’ friendly departments, but we have chosen her to see our region’s progress. She is more than ready to handle these departments. Rampura house has influence on 11 Assembly segments and now our leader cannot be ignored. Already her father Rao Inderjit has been ignored in the Modi cabinet,” read a demand letter issued by Ahir Maha sbaha.

In an exclusive conversation with The Tribune, Arti said she was ready to take up any role but her priority would be the ministries that benefit her region the most. “Any ministry handed out to me should be based on what Ahirwal requires rather than just concentrating on my gender or rendezvous with sports. I want to benefit a larger section of people rather than being confined to one niche. I have no demands and full confidence that party would delegate responsibility worthy of my talent and in interest of Ahirwal,” said Arti.

It may be noted that Rao Indejit has emerged influential and pivotal in third consecutive victory of the BJP. With his reestablished stature his supporters are seeking better position for Arti in the Cabinet. The supporters have also communicated to party that Arti cannot be assessed below Shruti Choudhry who according to them is a recent import and her mother Kiran Choudhry has already been rewarded with Rajya Sabha seat. “Rao Inderjit has been ignored in the Central Cabinet still he secured the biggest victory for the party in Ahirwal. Strengthening Arti in the Cabinet would ensure development in Ahirwal. We, after hearing rumours, have already submitted our apprehensions to the party about conspiracises to get Arti shunted to smaller ministries,” said another MLA of Rao Inderjit camp.

Want to benefit large section of people

Any ministry handed to me should be based on what Ahirwal requires rather than just concentrating on my gender or rendezvous with sports. I want to benefit a larger section of people rather than being confined to one niche. Arti Rao, Cabinet minister