Delhi will go to polls on February 5 and the results will be announced on February 8. In a candid discussion with Organiser Senior Assistant Editor Nishant Kumar Azad, Parvesh Singh Verma, BJP candidate from New Delhi and two-time Member of Parliament, spoke about the party’s vision for Delhi, addressed key political issues, and shared his critique of the AAP government. In this conversation, Verma has elaborated on his approach to governance, priorities for development, and the challenges facing the BJP in the State Assembly elections. Excerpts:
The political scene in the New Delhi Assembly constituency has become quite interesting. First, it was Arvind Kejriwal; then there was Sandeep Dikshit. Now your candidature has been announced from this seat. What made the party choose you?
I believe the party made the right decision, and I also believe that Bhagwan Hanuman had a major role in this decision, as I am a devotee of Hanuman Ji. I believe his actions are always for the good. This time, the lotus will bloom in Delhi, and we will form a government that aligns with our Prime Minister’s vision. This Government made by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will provide better amenities, address pollution, and work towards development in Delhi. For the people of Delhi, we will take concrete steps rather than just making tall promises like the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). BJP aims to provide better amenities and development in Delhi. For instance, we will work on reducing pollution that people of Delhi are facing. We will focus on cleaning the Yamuna river, drawing inspiration from the Sabarmati Riverfront project initiated by Modi Ji. The Yamuna will also have a beautiful riverfront where people can visit and enjoy. Our government will also create job opportunities by unlocking government jobs that have been withheld for years under the current administration. Every slum dweller in Delhi, who has been cheated with empty promises, will be given a proper home, just like Prime Minister Modi Ji did in Kalkaji with the Swabhiman Apartments. Residents of long- established camps such as Princess Park, BR Camp and others in New Delhi will be given ownership rights to the land they have been living on for decades. We have big plans for Delhi and I am sure the people of Delhi will give us an opportunity to serve them this time round.
The Yamuna river becomes a talking point only during elections or festivals like Chhath Puja. Does BJP have a roadmap for cleaning it?
Yamuna river front as beautiful as Sabarmati. Cleaning the river doesn’t require rocket science, which I am sure Kejriwal’s AAP doesn’t understand. It needs political will. Did you know that when the Yamuna enters Delhi from Haryana, the water is clean. However, as it passes through Delhi, untreated industrial and chemical waste pollutes it. Setting up sewage treatment plants (STPs) to treat water before it enters the Yamuna is the solution. Additionally, beautification projects like tree planting, and creating pathways along the river will transform it into a recreational spot for Delhi residents.
You’ve repeatedly criticised the Chief Minister’s official residence which has been in news for some time now. You even suggested that the so-called ‘Sheesh Mahal’ should be opened to the public. How justified is this demand?
That residence is not a permanent accommodation for any Chief Minister. Arvind Kejriwal Ji claims that it’s for future Chief Ministers as well, but I firmly believe that a BJP Chief Minister should not reside in a place built with money obtained through corruption. The so-called ‘Sheesh Mahal’ should be converted into a public space where the people of Delhi can visit and see how their tax money was misused. This would serve as a reminder of the hollow promises made by Kejriwal, who claimed he would not take Government accommodation, but ended up building a lavish mansion. This residence, built by demolishing six houses and spanning over eight acres, is a stark contrast to the modest promises he made. Delhi residents deserve to see what they were deceived into voting for.
The AAP claims that its model for education and healthcare has been praised internationally and even adopted by some States. How do you view these claims?
Let Kejriwal name even one new school he has built in the last 11 years. He hasn’t built a single new school. AAP manipulates Class 11 and 12 results by removing underperforming students from Government schools, forcing them to drop out or switch to private institutions. As for healthcare, when Kejriwal or his Ministers fall ill, they go to private hospitals like Medanta and Apollo. This clearly shows that their much-touted Mohalla Clinics are nothing but gimmicks.
Delhi voters support BJP during Lok Sabha elections, but the same voters don’t favour BJP in State Assembly elections. What do you think is the reason for this?
Our mistake was not making populist promises. Kejriwal misled the people with fake freebies, claiming everything would be free—electricity, water, transportation. People thought they would save money, but the reality is they got nothing. BJP has always focused on development, and this time we won’t let Kejriwal fool the people. We will offer genuine schemes and ensure their implementation. We will give free electricity and water up to a certain limit but will ensure these services are efficient and accessible.
We have big plans for Delhi and I am sure the people of Delhi will give us the opportunity to serve them this time
AAP accuses you of distributing cash to buy votes. How do you respond to this?
These accusations reflect their desperation. If I see a child shivering in the cold at a traffic signal and give him/her money to buy a sweater, is that vote-buying? My organisation has been serving the community for 25 years, long before elections. I have used my personal resources to help people, whether during COVID-19 or other crises. These allegations are baseless.
BJP’s campaign is revolving majorly around corruption. Do you think it’s significant enough to unseat AAP?
Absolutely. Corruption under Kejriwal’s Government is unprecedented. From the liquor policy scandal to the ‘Sheesh Mahal’ he built, this corruption charge is evident. Key AAP leaders have been in jail, and cases are still ongoing. Kejriwal has no moral authority left and should apologise to the people of Delhi.
There are allegations that AAP has facilitated voter registrations for Bangladeshi and Rohingya immigrants. What evidence do you have?
We all know that Bangladeshis and Rohingyas are not BJP’s voter base. When voter lists were reviewed, we found entries with absurd addresses like ‘House Number 0’ or ‘Dash.’ These fake votes have helped AAP win in the past. Electoral transparency is crucial, and we have raised these issues with the Election Commission.
Will BJP contest this election without announcing a Chief Ministerial candidate?
We have many capable leaders, but our strongest face is Prime Minister Modi. Under his vision, we will bring development to Delhi. Our party leadership will decide the CM post after the elections, reflecting our democratic values.
