Mandate expresses determination to make a bold beginning for change: Harsh Vardhan

New Delhi: Delhi BJP president Harsh Vardhan has maintained his political record in Delhi of winning all the elections he has contested so far by ensuring his entry in Parliament from Chandni Chowk which is considered to be a hard nut to crack for having a significant number of Muslim voters. The sitting MLA of Krishna Nagar, Vardhan forayed in electoral politics in 1993 and consecutively became MLA for five times. The ‘doctor’ of Delhi managed to tide over all the hurdles — Muslim’s negative voting, AAP’s charisma and most importantly a heavy weight politician like Kapil Sibal; and won the seat by a huge margin of 1.34 lakh votes. In an exclusive interview with Siddheshwar Shukla, he shares his view on this historic win:

What is your first reaction on BJP’s victory in Delhi in this assembly election?

I was confident of this victory and I always said that the BJP would win all the seven seats in the city. The credit to victory goes to the hard work of party workers, support of dedicated RSS team and strategy of our prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi.

It’s for the first time in India that BJP single handedly achieved majority in Parliament. How do you see this result? 

The voters of India have manifested a desire to make up for the historic blunder of 2004 when they voted out Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Through the overwhelming mandate for Narendra Modi, they have expressed a determination to make a bold new beginning for change and development of the nation. The scale of the mandate for the party this time has taken the world’s breath away. People from all over the globe have contacted me to express their amazement. I tell them that Modi’s charisma and people’s determination to change their own fate could not be suppressed any longer.

How do you assess the role of youth voters in BJP’s historic victory? 

This was truly the first 21st century election because 65 per cent of the electorates attained voting age after 2000 and it is their feelings and aspirations which flowed through the result. The voters have rejected the politics of religion, caste and regionalism. This is the first election in which people rejected rhetoric and abstractions and united behind the leader who brought to the table evidence of his ability to govern.

It’s said that BJP won only because of triangular contest created by AAP? How do you see the role of AAP in BJP’s clean sweep in Delhi?

The BJP has won by positive votes. The rout of the AAP and the Congress was inevitable. Their duplicity in the last few months of 2013 and throughout the 49-day period of shared power in Delhi was noted by the electorate and I hope they will take appropriate lessons.

Will you prefer cabinet berth in Modi government or chief ministership of Delhi?

There’s nothing like my personal preference. It’s a decision to be taken by my senior leaders. I always do my best on whatever role is assigned to me by the party.

Will BJP go for election or claim to form government in Delhi?

We are still at the same point and my answer is the same — we don’t have the numbers to form government. We are ready for election. We will take appropriate decision if Lieutenant Governor 

invites us.

What is your plan for the development of your constituency?

I have studied the problems of Chandni Chowk with the analytical skills of a doctor. I was born in the walled city and feel its history and vibrancy in my veins. While campaigning, I have formed certain ideas on how to improve upon the conditions of life in the constituency and will confer with experts on urban renewal on ways to resolve its problems.

Your constituency mainly comprises of traders, what’s your strategy for them?

I will take their message to the Prime Minister and will make serious endeavours to improve transparency in the dealings from the government’s point of view.