Delhi Assembly polls in-charge Nitin Gadkari fields Tarun Nangia’s questions in an e-mail interview. Excerpts:
What steps have you and the BJP taken to reconcile differences among state leaders?
The Delhi unit of the BJP is very much united. Everyone is working hard to oust the corrupt and inefficient Congress regime. The biggest factor working in the BJP’s favour is the public anger against the fast deteriorating law and order in Delhi, sky-rocketing prices of essential commodities, poor transport facilities, rampant corruption in government departments and a lack of confidence within the Congress to govern. I am sure the people have made up their mind to vote the Congress out. Take it from me: nothing can stop the BJP from forming the next government in Delhi.
How does the BJP react to the Aam Aadmi Party’s supposed impact on the Delhi poll?
The AAP is not a factor. It is not going to have any adverse impact on the prospects of the BJP. The fight is going to be between the BJP and the Congress. AAP is in the fray as a spoiler. We have definite information that it has a secret deal with the Congress to corner as many anti-Congress votes as possible to damage the BJP. But the people of Delhi are intelligent and they would never like to waste their votes.
When will the BJP announce the list of its candidates? The first list was to be out on September 5.
The BJP central election committee will take an early decision. Please wait for a few more days and the list will be in your hand.
Will any decision be taken on the party’s CM candidate soon?
BJP’s parliamentary board will take a decision in this regard. You will come to know about it very soon.
There are reports of pressure tactics by a BJP leader who is pushing his candidature for CM’s post. Your take.
I don’t think anybody is putting any pressure. The BJP is a democratic party and every party functionary has a right to put across his or her views to the party leadership. All its workers and leaders will abide by the decisions of the party high command. You will see that happening in the context of Delhi CM candidate as well.