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"I have no enemies, but only friends in politics and this will help me in conducting my job as Vice-President impartially and gracefully," the National Democratic Alliance nominee for the post of Vice-President, Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, said.
Predicting an easy win, 79-year-old Shekhawat, thrice chief minister of Rajasthan, told PTI on Sunday: "No one is doubting my victory. Everybody is keen to see my victory margin."
"I have friends in all political parties which is evident from congratulatory calls I am receiving from leaders of different hues," he said.
Showing a sense of fulfilment, Shekhawat said it was the beauty of Indian democracy that an ordinary man like him could reach to such a high office. He said the decision to leave politics and Rajasthan, where he had played an active role for 50 long years, was an emotional and difficult one. Shekhawat, however, added he would be enjoying his new role also.
Asked whether his absence would create a void in Rajasthan BJP, he said, "The notion that there will be a vacuum in the state after me is wrong. The party has its roots and dedicated workers and leaders who know well how to conduct party's affairs."
Shekhawat, a firm believer in destiny, said he never dreamt of achieving any office while embarking on the hazardous path of politics contesting election to the Rajasthan assembly in 1952.
"I learned to study hard and prepare for assembly debates from my friend late H K Vyas, a communist member in the first assembly. Vyas used to come well prepared for debates in the house and inspired by him, I took a vow to become a good parliamentarian," he said.
He recalled the comment of then World Bank chief Robert Mcnamara on his Antyodaya scheme for uplift of the poorest of the poor that Shekhawat would be remembered as second Rockfeller, an American philanthropist.
"My own experience as a small farmer ruined by locusts led me as chief minister to abolish land revenue on unirrigated land in the state," he said.
Overwhelmed by the love and affection showered on him, Shekhawat said he would always maintain contact with the people of the state as it is with their support. "I have reached where I am. Though I will be in Delhi, my heart will always be with the common people here."
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