The energy and enthusiasm of the surging crowds in his rallies have boosted the confidence of Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal. In an exclusive interaction with Siddheshwar Shukla, he shares his vision about the city and on why he is so confident to become the Chief Minister of Delhi for the second time.
Why do you think AAP will get more seats this time, while your opponents say 2013 was your peak?
This is mood and pulse of the people. They have made up their mind to bring an AAP government for the next five years. See the energy and enthusiasm of the people in our rallies and people are coming themselves. It is not only in my rallies but in the rallies of all the AAP leaders. In contrast, people are not exactly flocking in droves to rallies addressed by BJP’s Central ministers. The low turnout in Kiran Bedi and even Modiji’s rallies are indicative of o which way the public mood is swinging.
In the last election, your slogan was Lokpal and Swaraj but this time you have only one slogan- Panch Saal Kejriwal. Has AAP not changed from a ideology centric party to an individual centric party?
It’s not like that. We are sticking to our ideology. Swaraj is still our main agenda besides development. We have drawn up an impressive development model for Delhi after deliberations and discussions with experts. The issues include- water, power, education and women’s security.
AAP has fielded 23 tainted candidates which is almost same of BJP’s 28?
I am the most tainted in my party. There are 10 cases against me. We have struggled very hard. Whenever we launched any movement, the police used to slap cases against us. These are such cases.
How is Kiran Bedi a challenge for you?
Kiran Bedi has become a challenge for the BJP. They are now realising that as many times she speaks their vote is decreasing. So they have imposed a gag order on her.
Whom do you find more challenging, Harsh Vardhan or Bedi?
The BJP is completely finished in Delhi. It was weak last time and weaker this time. Nobody can save this party. The comparison is useless.
What is your plan to check unauthorised construction in Delhi?
Injustice has been meted out to these people. They are the victims of politics. We will regularise all the illegal construction so far within a year but not even a single unauthorised construction would be allowed thereafter. We will fix responsibility of each and every agency. The officers take money to allow construction. Nobody will dare to do that in an AAP dispensation.
Anna Hazare wants to start a fresh movement for Jan Lokpal. What will be your role?
We will fully participate in the movement. We will fulfill the dreams of Anna ji by passing the Jan Lokpal in Delhi.
In 2013 you had a clean slate but this time you have been associated with several controversies. Wouldn’t it go against AAP?
Controversies are a part of public life. In 2013, they were saying I deceived Anna this time they say I resigned. There is no charge of corruption, crime or bad character. Nobody is suspicious about our honesty. Last time also you people (media) were giving us 2-3 seats, it was only when we scored 28 the media realised our power.
Earlier, AAP rallies were simple but now you have LED screens, chairs and hi-tech sound system in your rallies. Weren’t you critical of these things in your earlier days?
I had never opposed these things in rallies. You people (media) put your words into my mouth. I never said I would not take a government residence or car. You people twist words in a manner you deem fit.
You talk of things like free water & power. What will be your source of revenue?
In our 49-day stint, we had increased tax collection and revenue. We gave a subsidy of Rs 300 crore and left the government with a profit of Rs 700 crore. The low collection of revenue – house tax and trade tax; is due to corruption in MCD which is ruled by the BJP. We will make MCD fall in line once our government is formed.
Don’t you think free water will increase wastage of water?
No. It will increase water conservation. We will charge entire cost of 21 litres, if consumption goes beyond the stipulated 20 litres.
The CAG audit seems to be stuck mid-way. What will you do if voted to power?
It’s due to crony capitalism and corruption in the BJP. We will expedite it and rein-in the DISCOMS.