On city specific issues, only elected govt can take decisions: Upadhayay
11 July 2014 5:20 AM IST
Satish Upadhayay (51) is known among BJP cadres for his honesty, simplicity, hard work, and organisational sills. He always tries to bring in administrative reforms while promoting work culture and professionalism in his tenures as chairman of education and standing committees in South Delhi Municipal Corporation. A RSS cadre Upadhayay started his political career as vice-president of Delhi University Student’s Union (DUSU) in 1982. After 32 years of working on various posts in BJP and its youth wing, he was appointed Delhi BJP president on Tuesday night to succeed Union Heath Minister Harsh Vardhan. In an exclusive interview with Millennium Post he shared his views on various issues. He is of clear view that however, Central government gives directions but only Delhi specific policy decisions can’t be taken without an elected government. Excerpts:
What will your prioritises as president of Delhi BJP?
I have been given the responsibility of organisation so my top most priority is to identify talent of our state leaders and utilise them to strengthen the party. I will focus my entire energy to strengthen the party, coordination among state leaders and develop a team work spirit. As we are in power, the responsibility also lies to act as ‘message channel’ between government and people by informing government’s message to people and also bringing their aspirants to government.
Delhi BJP seems to be divided into various fractions. How will you bring them together?
There is no factionalism in BJP as we are a cadre based party. We will work in a team spirit.
How do you see Aam Admi Party which is an emerging challenge in Delhi?
We never differentiate between Congress and Aam Admi Party as both of them are our opposition parties in Delhi. The people have shown Congress its place and AAP is crumbling as it is now exposed before people.
Will BJP form government or go to election?
I am not in position to comment on this issue as I have to consult senior party leaders. We are open for both the options but it has be to seen what is in the luck of Delhi. But it’s clear that Delhi must get an elected government but I don’t know whether it is possible by reviving the assembly are by fresh election.
What will your prefer- fresh election or new government in Delhi?
We are open for both. We are prepared for election at any time. BJP has promised to curb price rise but prices are increasing. Don’t you think people will neglect BJP if elections are held in near future? Congress is trying to camouflage the price rise issue by protesting against the decisions of UPA-II. The hike in rail fares, petrol and diesel prices are the legacy we got from UPA-II. In Delhi 49 days AAP government of Arvind Kejriwal is responsible for the mess.
As Delhi BJP chief will you try to fulfil the promises BJP had made before Delhi assembly elections and Lok Sabha elections?
For the promises made in Lok Sabha elections our national leadership is doing it’s efforts and for Delhi specific issues we will work whenever we comes in power. Presently, Delhi is under President rule and Lieutenant Governor is the responsible person. However, Central government gives some directions but actual city specific policy decisions can’t be taken without elected government.
Do your expect subsidy on electricity in the maiden budget of Modi Government?
It’s not a budget of Delhi but of India so we don’t have much expectations. Only an elected government in Delhi can take decisions on such issues and also to solve water crisis besides several developmental and city specific issues.
What will your prioritises as president of Delhi BJP?
I have been given the responsibility of organisation so my top most priority is to identify talent of our state leaders and utilise them to strengthen the party. I will focus my entire energy to strengthen the party, coordination among state leaders and develop a team work spirit. As we are in power, the responsibility also lies to act as ‘message channel’ between government and people by informing government’s message to people and also bringing their aspirants to government.
Delhi BJP seems to be divided into various fractions. How will you bring them together?
There is no factionalism in BJP as we are a cadre based party. We will work in a team spirit.
How do you see Aam Admi Party which is an emerging challenge in Delhi?
We never differentiate between Congress and Aam Admi Party as both of them are our opposition parties in Delhi. The people have shown Congress its place and AAP is crumbling as it is now exposed before people.
Will BJP form government or go to election?
I am not in position to comment on this issue as I have to consult senior party leaders. We are open for both the options but it has be to seen what is in the luck of Delhi. But it’s clear that Delhi must get an elected government but I don’t know whether it is possible by reviving the assembly are by fresh election.
What will your prefer- fresh election or new government in Delhi?
We are open for both. We are prepared for election at any time. BJP has promised to curb price rise but prices are increasing. Don’t you think people will neglect BJP if elections are held in near future? Congress is trying to camouflage the price rise issue by protesting against the decisions of UPA-II. The hike in rail fares, petrol and diesel prices are the legacy we got from UPA-II. In Delhi 49 days AAP government of Arvind Kejriwal is responsible for the mess.
As Delhi BJP chief will you try to fulfil the promises BJP had made before Delhi assembly elections and Lok Sabha elections?
For the promises made in Lok Sabha elections our national leadership is doing it’s efforts and for Delhi specific issues we will work whenever we comes in power. Presently, Delhi is under President rule and Lieutenant Governor is the responsible person. However, Central government gives some directions but actual city specific policy decisions can’t be taken without elected government.
Do your expect subsidy on electricity in the maiden budget of Modi Government?
It’s not a budget of Delhi but of India so we don’t have much expectations. Only an elected government in Delhi can take decisions on such issues and also to solve water crisis besides several developmental and city specific issues.
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