BJP will sweep LS elections this time too: Harsh Vardhan
Union Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan, a well known BJP face in Delhi, is seeking the mandate once again from Chandni Chowk Lok Sabha constituency. The soft-spoken ENT specialist with decades of political experience believes, this time too, the BJP will sweep the election. He does not think there is any major challenge at all over his constituency. Moreover, he is also sure that the upcoming Delhi Assembley polls next year would bring BJP back to power. In an exclusive interview with Yogesh Kant of Millennium Post, he shared his views on the political situation in Delhi.
In 2019, BJP might be facing a tougher battle. What you think?
You may feel so, but it is sadly and badly mistaken because, I am sure the BJP will have a hands down victory not only in my seat but in other seats too. People are desperate to have Narendra Modi back as Prime Minsiter. They are thourougly confident that Narendra Modi has done exemplary work for all sections of the society. Moreover, PM Modi has helped in enhancing the image of the country inside and outside the country.
In Delhi, which party do you think is the bigger challenge– Congress or AAP?
I do not think there is any major challenge at all over my constituency. It is a challenge for them to secure second and third position in Delhi. They are fighting with each other. Moreover, AAP and Congress have been exposed thoroughly. Congress was a symbol of corruption and now AAP has become the natural ally of corruption. AAP has not done anything in the last four and half years. They have failed on all counts. Both wanted alliance because they were sure of defeat.
What are the major projects taken up in last five years in your constituency, which you can count on in this poll?
I initiated the Shahjahanabad redevelopment project a few months after taking over. The project was also started. Unfortunately, the Delhi CM (Arvind Kejriwal) refused support to the project. I am sure if we have the government in Delhi along with the central government, which we will get next election, we will be able to complete it. The project aims at creation of pedestrian-oriented space in Chandni Chowk, seen as a catalyst for revitalising economic, infrastructure and tourism potential of Shahjahanabad. I gave people Rani Jhansi flyover which was lying incomplete for 10 years and handed over the Kishan ganj overbridge to the people. We have establised around 144 open gyms and around 76 gyms are under process and also initated seperate gyms for females. Moreover, I tried to remove the every dark spot from my constituency and have done it aggressively, so that people of my constituency feel safe. We have also done camping for the eradication of catract in my area. Look at the Rani Jhansi flyover, it was lingering on for almost 10 years. I took up this project and I used to have a meeting after every 15 days and visit the project site. When there was some difficulty, I got Rs 86 crore sanctioned from the government to ensure that the municipal corporation does not run out of money.
The BJP talks about the PM Modi government's achievements whereas the Aam Aadmi Party is seeking mandate over their four years work in various sectors? How do you see it?
Look! It is a national election and obviously the election is being fought under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, so when, we go back to the people we tell them about exemplary work we have done in five years of our regime. Similary, I think, what they are talking about, I really dont know.
AAP government in Delhi is saying the BJP-led government has not been cooperating with it. How do you see this?
We have been cooperating with them. But we did not get the expected cooperation from them in any field. Take the case of Ayushman Bharat scheme, they deliberately did not join the scheme for political reasons. Several poor people are left behind. No one can point fingers at us as we have done our maximum to help Delhiites. The blame lies at the doorsteps of the AAP government. There is a water problem. Delhi Jal Board is under the Chief Minister. What has he done? They are good at making promises. None were met. AAP is anti-people.
Do you think sealing of commercial establishments in residential areas, especially in traders' hub Chandni Chowk will be a major issue and you are facing a challenge?
BJP has done its best to help the traders, to address the woes related to sealing. Many have benefited. The Centre has done its best. We have modified the Delhi Master Plan. We are fighting for the alleviation of sufferings of people. You see the only issue with the people is that they want Modi back as Prime Minister. They are convinced that Modi is the one who can really help people and solve their problems.
