Veteran politician and MLA from Karol Bagh from Bharatiya Janata Party [BJP], Ratawal is active in politics since 1972. He started his career as president of Kirori Mal college student union 1972-73. He was convener Bhartiya Janta Yuva Morcha, Karol Bagh in 1977-78 and later he became president in 1980-82. He was then entrusted to contest for Rajya Sabha in 1983. In an interview with Dipanshu Roy, the 63-year-old politician shares his experience. Excerpts:
What was your inspiration to join politics?
My family was involved in politics and that motivated me to join this profession. Although I was not interested in initial days and was interested in joining the film industry. Later V K Malhotra also helped me join BJP. Actually, because of him I entered politics.
Tell something about your constituency?
Our constituency is located in a prime location and we have commercial and residential places as well. The main problem is sewage and water. However, I spend more than my allotted MLA fund in my constituency to serve the residents here.
What is your take on next year's assembly elections?
Congress is always full of false promises. Inflation, water crisis and other basic civic amenities that they failed to provide has led to defeat in Municipal Corporation of Delhi elections. We are 100 per cent sure that we will defeat Congress in the forthcoming Assembly elections.
Any regrets about joining politics?
At times, I feel like leaving it all behind. Sometimes the residents ask me to solve problems related to law and order and medical. I am helpless at those times.
What are your hobbies?
Social work. Besides this, films interest me. I used to play cricket and volleyball, but now I enjoying watching them. I also like to travel. I have visited London, Indonesia and Singapore.
Any message you would like to give to aspiring politicians?
Welfare of the people is the main thing that politician should aim for.
What was your inspiration to join politics?
My family was involved in politics and that motivated me to join this profession. Although I was not interested in initial days and was interested in joining the film industry. Later V K Malhotra also helped me join BJP. Actually, because of him I entered politics.
Tell something about your constituency?
Our constituency is located in a prime location and we have commercial and residential places as well. The main problem is sewage and water. However, I spend more than my allotted MLA fund in my constituency to serve the residents here.
What is your take on next year's assembly elections?
Congress is always full of false promises. Inflation, water crisis and other basic civic amenities that they failed to provide has led to defeat in Municipal Corporation of Delhi elections. We are 100 per cent sure that we will defeat Congress in the forthcoming Assembly elections.
Any regrets about joining politics?
At times, I feel like leaving it all behind. Sometimes the residents ask me to solve problems related to law and order and medical. I am helpless at those times.
What are your hobbies?
Social work. Besides this, films interest me. I used to play cricket and volleyball, but now I enjoying watching them. I also like to travel. I have visited London, Indonesia and Singapore.
Any message you would like to give to aspiring politicians?
Welfare of the people is the main thing that politician should aim for.