Vijay Singh Phalke, cousin of Madhavrao and in-charge of Jai Vilas Palace, is one of them and says, “The core issue for them is not politics but the development of the region. Through the trust established by the family, splendid work has been done in the fields of health, education, rural development, sports and religion”. According to an MLA, Brigadier NR Kanwar, 84, “People worship them. They consider Gwalior as a state and the Scindias as the owner". He adds that Jivajirao Scindia was a man with foresight and was aware of the changing times, therefore, to retain their relevance, he prepared the political ground for Vijaya Raje Scindia. After the abolition of monarchy, the dynasty acted accordingly. They managed it to their own benefit. In 1957, Vijaya Raje won from Guna on a Congress ticket. But later got elected on a Swatantra Party ticket in 1967. She joined the Jan Sangh. Her heir, Madhavrao started from Guna as an independent with the support of Jan Sangh. But in 1979, at the behest of Rajiv Gandhi, joined the Congress. Since then, the family has had members on both sides of the political divide. Guna is now represented by Jyotiraditya Scindia.
However, Rajendra Singh Saluja, MLA, Bhartiya Janshakti Party, says, “Even though Maharaja is the MP for the ruling party, the town appears at the 370th position on the development index of parliamentary constituencies. There is neither employment nor commerce in Guna.” He insists that the influence of the dynasty is waning. The margin of victory has come down to 84,000-odd from four lakh. If a strong candidate is put up against them, then the situation may change. Jyotiraditya has understood this and regularly visits Guna. The BJP's local media in-charge, Pradeep Audichya, says, “Faith alone cannot win you elections. That is why they had to discard their feudal attitude and approach the masses. Earlier, one trip that too sitting in a van would be enough. Now they have to come out and shake hands with people.” Jyotiraditya is indeed reaching out to his people. Some of the youngsters from Mawan village say that the Maharaja had stayed twice in their village and even brought electricity. Even the elderly like Gomti Bai and Nathia were happy to garland him. They asked when their village will get water and power. “Soon,” the Scindia scion had promised. A powerful Congress leader from Guna, Devendra Singh Raghuvanshi insists that the political sway of the Scindia family can never wane. “People had thought that since they had members in different parties, they would lose their sway. That never came to pass,” he says with a chuckle. The Scindias have come a long way.
However, Rajendra Singh Saluja, MLA, Bhartiya Janshakti Party, says, “Even though Maharaja is the MP for the ruling party, the town appears at the 370th position on the development index of parliamentary constituencies. There is neither employment nor commerce in Guna.” He insists that the influence of the dynasty is waning. The margin of victory has come down to 84,000-odd from four lakh. If a strong candidate is put up against them, then the situation may change. Jyotiraditya has understood this and regularly visits Guna. The BJP's local media in-charge, Pradeep Audichya, says, “Faith alone cannot win you elections. That is why they had to discard their feudal attitude and approach the masses. Earlier, one trip that too sitting in a van would be enough. Now they have to come out and shake hands with people.” Jyotiraditya is indeed reaching out to his people. Some of the youngsters from Mawan village say that the Maharaja had stayed twice in their village and even brought electricity. Even the elderly like Gomti Bai and Nathia were happy to garland him. They asked when their village will get water and power. “Soon,” the Scindia scion had promised. A powerful Congress leader from Guna, Devendra Singh Raghuvanshi insists that the political sway of the Scindia family can never wane. “People had thought that since they had members in different parties, they would lose their sway. That never came to pass,” he says with a chuckle. The Scindias have come a long way.
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