In an interview with Siddheshwar Shukla, Sisodia shares his view on the February 7 elections in the national Capital. Excerpts:
Has Kiran Bedi become a challenge for AAP in this election?
Kiran Bedi is not a leader. BJP is still leaderless and Arvind Kejriwal is still the most popular face for the post of Chief Minister in Delhi. The saffron party is facing split in its rank and file after her induction.
But senior most member of Team Anna, Shanti Bhushan, has praised Kiran Bedi as CM candidate?
He may have his opinion like others but it will be clear on the day results are announced.
Don’t you think AAP leaders too are divided on several issues?
Difference of opinion is always good for a successful democracy. We differ widely in our meetings but when a decision is taken, everybody follows it.
The BJP has fielded your former colleague Vinod Kumar Binny against you from Patparganj. How will you face this challenge?
It’s not a personal fight but AAP will fight on principals and issues. BJP workers are highly demoralised and they have refused to campaign for him (Binny) in several places. I am receiving reports that AAP defectors who have been awarded tickets by the BJP are facing similar problems everywhere.
In the last election, speeches of AAP leaders would start from Lokpal and corruption but these two issues seem to be put on back seat in this election?
In our campaigning, we still start from Lokpal but media ignores our issues. We are committed to make Delhi the first corruption free state of the country. There is corruption everywhere. You have to pay bribe to get trade license, driving license and even street vendors are exhorted and harassed by MCD employees and police alike. Private schools are openly demanding donations for admission for students. Even government school principals extort parents through touts and some even demand booze if not cash.
But this time AAP is more focusing on issues like free wi-fi and free water among others?
The government is providing an ‘alert button’ in mobiles for women security. How will it work if it is not connected to internet, so free wi-fi is necessary. We are of the view that it responsibility of the government to provide clean drinking water for free, however, water used for washing cars can be charged appropriately.
How many seats will AAP get this time?
I don’t want to give any number but we will surely increase our tally. People have seen us working and believe that only Arvind Kejriwal can deliver as the Chief Minister of Delhi. People are with us as they know only we can reduce prices and eradicate corruption. Besides, everyday chaos, corruption is the root cause of price rise of electricity in Delhi, CNG and also hurdle in the path of development.
How is corruption a hurdle for development?
My entire Patparganj assembly segment gets dirty water supply that does not even reach the five-storey buildings. When I became minister, I directed to boost water pressure but the main pipeline burst at several places due to poor quality and public money was siphoned off. We have to use the development funds properly and honestly.
Has Kiran Bedi become a challenge for AAP in this election?
Kiran Bedi is not a leader. BJP is still leaderless and Arvind Kejriwal is still the most popular face for the post of Chief Minister in Delhi. The saffron party is facing split in its rank and file after her induction.
But senior most member of Team Anna, Shanti Bhushan, has praised Kiran Bedi as CM candidate?
He may have his opinion like others but it will be clear on the day results are announced.
Don’t you think AAP leaders too are divided on several issues?
Difference of opinion is always good for a successful democracy. We differ widely in our meetings but when a decision is taken, everybody follows it.
The BJP has fielded your former colleague Vinod Kumar Binny against you from Patparganj. How will you face this challenge?
It’s not a personal fight but AAP will fight on principals and issues. BJP workers are highly demoralised and they have refused to campaign for him (Binny) in several places. I am receiving reports that AAP defectors who have been awarded tickets by the BJP are facing similar problems everywhere.
In the last election, speeches of AAP leaders would start from Lokpal and corruption but these two issues seem to be put on back seat in this election?
In our campaigning, we still start from Lokpal but media ignores our issues. We are committed to make Delhi the first corruption free state of the country. There is corruption everywhere. You have to pay bribe to get trade license, driving license and even street vendors are exhorted and harassed by MCD employees and police alike. Private schools are openly demanding donations for admission for students. Even government school principals extort parents through touts and some even demand booze if not cash.
But this time AAP is more focusing on issues like free wi-fi and free water among others?
The government is providing an ‘alert button’ in mobiles for women security. How will it work if it is not connected to internet, so free wi-fi is necessary. We are of the view that it responsibility of the government to provide clean drinking water for free, however, water used for washing cars can be charged appropriately.
How many seats will AAP get this time?
I don’t want to give any number but we will surely increase our tally. People have seen us working and believe that only Arvind Kejriwal can deliver as the Chief Minister of Delhi. People are with us as they know only we can reduce prices and eradicate corruption. Besides, everyday chaos, corruption is the root cause of price rise of electricity in Delhi, CNG and also hurdle in the path of development.
How is corruption a hurdle for development?
My entire Patparganj assembly segment gets dirty water supply that does not even reach the five-storey buildings. When I became minister, I directed to boost water pressure but the main pipeline burst at several places due to poor quality and public money was siphoned off. We have to use the development funds properly and honestly.