Great Bollywood actor Dharmendra was elected BJP MP from Bikaner in 2004, but after his tenure ended in 2009, he retired from politics. He clearly said that politics is not in his control. The noise and allegations and counter-allegations of the leaders in the Parliament seemed strange to him. He never liked this behavior of the leaders in Parliament. He also said about this in the interview.
Dharmendra contested the 2004 Lok Sabha elections from Bikaner in Rajasthan on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ticket. This election was also very popular because at that time Dharmendra was a well-known superstar of the cine world.
Dharmendra was considered very close to former Prime Minister late Atal Bihari Vajpayee. It is said that this relationship was of a personal friendship beyond politics. Vajpayee ji was also a fan of his films. Initially he tried to work for the people of Bikaner. Raised local issues. But later his activity decreased.
Although his wife Hema Malini has been active in politics for a long time. Since 2014, he is BJP MP from Mathura parliamentary seat. Before that, she was also a Rajya Sabha MP from 2003 to 2009.
Why became disillusioned with politics
Then Dharmendra distanced himself from active politics after his first term as MP. There were many reasons for this but the main reason was his disillusionment with politics.
His age had started increasing. Health problems had increased. In such a situation, participating regularly in the proceedings of Parliament. Staying active had become physically challenging for him. He had to stay in Delhi during Parliament sessions, which kept him away from his films and his farmhouse in Punjab.
Dharmendra’s first and biggest love was acting. He wanted to return to films. Wanted to spend time with family. He did not like the busy routine of politics and the restrictions of public life.
Did the leaders and officers disappoint them?
It is also said that Dharmendra was somewhat disappointed with the inner games of politics and bureaucracy. He did not like this environment as per his liking. He did not seek ticket again in the 2009 Lok Sabha elections. Gradually he moved away from active politics. However, after this he continued to support BJP.
Dharmendra openly said in many interviews that he did not like the behavior of the leaders in Parliament, the abuses and personal attacks on each other. He said, I had thought that I would do something good by going into politics, but what I saw there broke my heart.”
He had said corruption and bargaining in politics
Dharmendra’s nature was always simple and emotional. He could not fit himself into the tactics, factionalism and protocols of politics. He also said in an interview, “I am not fit for politics. I just want to live in the hearts of people.”
He also said, there are so many infiltrators, corruption and bargaining in politics that it becomes unbearable for an honest person. In a 2013 interview, he said, “Politics broke me. Everything there is based on money and deals, which does not match my thinking.” While being an MP, he also felt that he was not able to solve the real problems of the people and the problems of the farmers.
I also did this work in the interview, but someone else got the credit. When he was in politics, he was also angry at the attitude of the media. He also said that “the media did not support me” – meaning that his work was not highlighted as transparently or as required.
However, like Dharmendra, his son Sunny Deol also did not like politics. He entered politics. In the year 2019, he contested elections from Gurdaspur on BJP ticket. Won this election but after that he decided not to contest elections in 2024.
What work did Dharmendra do while he was an MP?
– Played an active role in financial assistance and utilization of MP quota (MPLADS Fund).
– MP quota was used for the development of many schools, hospitals and public places in Bikaner.
– Was always ready to help society, organizations and institutions.
– Got Sur Sagar cleaned.
– School fees were reduced in Bikaner.
– He had said that he used to listen to every problem of his area. His office used to inform him daily about the problems of the people. However, there was criticism regarding low attendance in Parliament and busyness in shooting films.
