Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje on Thursday recalled her years of public service, saying perseverance, faith and commitment to the people had guided her throughout her political journey. Addressing a gathering while flagging off MP Dushyant Singh’s ‘Ashirwad Padayatra’ in Unhel, Raje said that during her tenure as a Member of Parliament, she frequently undertook foot marches to stay connected with the people.
“When blisters formed on my feet, I would pierce them with a pin and keep moving,” she said. “I have walked through life with prayers. Blisters on my feet could never stop me.” Describing the Ashirwad Padayatra as a journey rooted in development, trust and progress, Raje said it symbolised a deep bond between leadership and the people of the region.
“Many leaders appear only during elections and disappear after winning. They spend five years in air-conditioned comfort. We do not believe in that kind of politics,” she said. She emphasised that for her and her family, the region is not a political constituency but a family.
“We do not see people merely as voters. We see them as partners in shaping their own destiny,” she said. Praising MP Dushyant Singh, Raje said he remains constantly among the people and makes sincere efforts to reach every corner of the constituency.
“This is not a political yatra,” she said. “It is a journey of our people, for our people, and by our people.” She added that the objective of the foot march is to connect with every citizen, listen to their voices, and work towards fulfilling their aspirations. “This journey is about ensuring dignity for every individual, uplifting every citizen, and resolving every genuine problem,” she said.
Raje concluded by saying that through this padayatra, the MP has come to embrace the soil of the farmers’ fields, the smiles of children, the hard work of the people, and even their pain and struggles, reaffirming a shared commitment to the region’s future.