Delhi BJP’s election co-incharge and Member of Parliament from Ghaziabad, Atul Garg spoke to The Sunday Guardian.
New Delhi: Delhi BJP’s election co-incharge and Member of Parliament from Ghaziabad, Atul Garg, in an exclusive interview with The Sunday Guardian, stated that the BJP’s campaign is primarily focused on exposing the wrongdoings of the Kejriwal government over the past decade.
Q. Given that the BJP has been out of power in Delhi for 30 years, what strategies is the party implementing to end this prolonged period without governance in the upcoming Assembly elections?
A. This election is not about BJP versus Kejriwal, but about the people of Delhi taking a stand against the misdeeds of Arvind Kejriwal’s government over the last 11 years. This is a people’s election, and they are with us to remove the Kejriwal government from Delhi. For that, we don’t need any specific strategy.
Q. What key issues and agendas will the BJP emphasise in its campaign for the Delhi Assembly elections?
A. The campaign aims to highlight the shortcomings of the Kejriwal government. Key issues include Delhi’s economic crisis, the failure to implement central schemes like Ayushman Bharat and Awas Yojana, and broken promises such as the provision of free, clean water, which instead resulted in residents receiving contaminated water. The city’s sanitation system has also worsened. Additionally, the campaign will focus on unfulfilled promises to students, the deteriorating state of the Yamuna River, and the disappointment of Delhiites who feel misled by Kejriwal’s assurances of a better lifestyle.
Q. How does the BJP respond to opposition allegations about the deteriorating law and order situation in Delhi?
A. It is well known that Arvind Kejriwal has provided shelter to Rohingyas, Bangladeshis, and other anti-social elements. He himself acknowledged the issue of deteriorating law and order in Delhi but failed to take any meaningful action during his tenure. On what grounds is he now asking people for their votes, when his government has been a major contributor to the decline in the city’s safety and security?
Q. What factors are contributing to the delay in the BJP announcing its list of candidates for the upcoming elections?
A. In our approach, the BJP contests elections as a party, not as individual candidates. The selection of candidates is done only after thorough consideration and in alignment with the wishes of the people. The BJP is a well-structured and organised party, not one where decisions are made unilaterally by a single individual. All decisions in our party are made through a defined process, not by the whims of a single leader.
‘This is a people’s election, and they are with us to remove the Kejriwal government from Delhi.’
Q. Considering that the BJP’s vote share in recent Delhi elections has hovered around 32-35%, what strategies is the party employing to increase this percentage?
A. This time, we are confident of securing around 55% of the vote share, possibly even more than what we received in the Lok Sabha elections. The voters of Delhi are clearly in our favour, and this will be reflected in the election results.
Q. There are reports suggesting that the BJP might project Smriti Irani or Anurag Thakur as its chief ministerial candidate for Delhi, with some claims indicating a preference for a female candidate. Is this accurate? If not, who is the party likely to project as its chief ministerial candidate?
A. These are merely speculations, as I have not heard anything of this sort. The chief ministerial candidate will be chosen only after reaching a consensus among the party’s workers and the people. The final decision on the matter will be taken by the central leadership.
Q. Is the BJP planning to introduce any women-centric schemes in Delhi, similar to initiatives launched in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh?
A. The BJP is committed to announcing initiatives that truly benefit the people, particularly women. Unlike Arvind Kejriwal, who made promises of freebies that he failed to deliver, plunging Delhi into crisis, the BJP stands by its track record of fulfilling its promises. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, numerous initiatives have uplifted the poor while simultaneously increasing the country’s income fivefold.
Q. Will the BJP rely on its veteran leaders, or will it place trust in recent entrants from other parties (turncoats) for the upcoming elections?
A. The selection of candidates will be based on their winnability and popularity, regardless of whether they are veterans, newcomers, or individuals who have recently joined the party.
Q. Reports indicate that the BJP may field Parvesh Verma against Arvind Kejriwal. What is the party’s stance on this speculation?
A. The decision on this matter rests with the party and its organisation. I have no personal comments to make on it. Whatever the party decides will be in its best interest, and it is entirely their call.
Q. What are your plans for Ghaziabad, particularly concerning infrastructure and development?
A. The central government’s schemes and initiatives will greatly benefit Ghaziabad. For instance, the RRTS will soon be inaugurated, connecting Ghaziabad seamlessly with Delhi. Projects like NH24 and major infrastructure developments have been accomplished under the BJP’s leadership. Additionally, a world-class railway station, comparable to those in Delhi, is expected to be completed in Ghaziabad within the next two years. There are also plans to expand the activities of central government offices on the 300 acres of land in Kamla Nehru Nagar, which will further enhance infrastructure in both Ghaziabad and Delhi.
Q. How does the BJP intend to reduce travel time and improve connectivity between Ghaziabad and Delhi?
A. Travel times have already improved significantly, with the journey from Ghaziabad to Delhi now taking just 40-45 minutes. At this pace, there is no immediate need for further acceleration.