
BJP national vice-president and Delhi in-charge Baijayant ‘Jay’ Panda predicts that the party will come to power with a two-thirds majority, asserting that people want ‘double-engine’ and ‘conflict-free’ governance in the national capital.
He tells Rajesh Kumar Thakur that there is widespread public resentment against AAP over lack of development and unfulfilled promises.
Excerpts:
How is the enthusiasm (Josh) of the BJP in the Delhi elections?
The enthusiasm is extremely high. You can see it in the mood of our workers (Karyakartas) and the public's response. There is a positive atmosphere for BJP in Delhi, with severe anti-incumbency against the ruling AAP government (which I refer to as AAP-Da, short for "disaster").
After ten years and three elections full of false promises—no development in roads, public transport, Yamuna cleaning, safe drinking water, or improvements in slum areas—the failures of AAP-Da have become glaring.
Public anger against AAP-Da is immense, and the people now feel that both Congress and AAP have failed them. They now believe that BJP deserves a chance. This mood has inspired our workers and created tremendous enthusiasm among the people.
Delhi now wants to become “AAP-Da Mukat” and flourish under BJP’s lotus, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi has guaranteed development. "Janta yahan Modi ki guarantee me biswas kar rahi hai, aur AAP-Da ko ek pal bhi jhelna nahi chah rahi hai" (The people trust Modi’s guarantee and don’t want to endure AAP-Da even for a moment).
It took 27 years for the BJP to consolidate itself in Delhi. How does the BJP view the prospect of bringing Delhi under its governance?
This time, the prospect is very strong. People have tried both Congress and AAP, but both have failed to deliver. Now, they have made up their minds to change the AAP-Da government, which has controlled Delhi for ten years, and give BJP a chance. It’s true that BJP hasn’t formed the government in Delhi for a long time.
The political landscape has shifted; Congress ruled for years but failed to develop the city. AAP made false promises, gained trust, and then cheated the people.
Across the country, BJP has been growing and forming governments, winning over 51% of the vote share in many regions, including Delhi during the Lok Sabha elections. The public in Delhi now seeks conflict-free governance and development, which BJP guarantees.
As the BJP in-charge for Delhi, what is your prediction regarding the number of seats the party is likely to win in the Delhi polls?
I won’t provide a specific number, but the responses from various sections—slum dwellers, businesspeople, the middle class, auto drivers, and women—are overwhelmingly positive.
People want a double-engine government. They’ve seen the country progress under Prime Minister Modi, becoming the fifth-largest economy and on track to becoming the third-largest. Delhi, however, hasn’t kept pace under AAP-Da. Feedback suggests that BJP will win comfortably, likely with a two-thirds majority.
The AAP accuses the BJP of lacking a prominent face to match Arvind Kejriwal’s stature. How do you respond?
The situation is exactly the opposite. AAP-Da has no face, as their earlier leader is under corruption charges, with strict bail conditions preventing him from functioning as CM.
AAP’s leadership has been exposed by scandals such as the classroom scam, medical scam, and others. Meanwhile, BJP operates with collective leadership, where any hardworking worker can rise to the top. PM Modi, once a tea seller, is now the world’s most popular leader. BJP’s collective leadership and transparency inspire trust.
Between Congress and AAP, which party poses a greater challenge to the BJP in this election?
Neither Congress nor AAP poses a significant challenge. The people of Delhi have tried both and are disillusioned with their false promises. Congress and AAP failed to win a single seat in Delhi during the Lok Sabha elections. In contrast, BJP’s track record, under Modi’s leadership, stands in stark contrast. People trust Modi’s guarantees and want BJP governance.
Are you confident that BJP can replicate its success in Odisha and come to power in Delhi after 27 years?
Yes, absolutely. Just as BJP achieved success in Odisha, where regional parties dominated, our focus on performance and fulfilling promises will bring change.
There’s an old saying: "You can fool all the people some of the time, some of the people all the time, but you can’t fool all the people all the time." Delhi has come full circle, and people are tired of fake promises. They now want BJP to lead a more developed Delhi. Delhi has not been developed in the way it should have been to be the capital of New India (Naya Bharat). The BJP will do it, as per Modi’s guarantee.
The AAP accuses the BJP of blocking funds and targeting its leaders through law enforcement agencies. What is your stance?
AAP-Da’s claims are baseless propaganda. Their leaders spent months in jail because of court decisions, not BJP actions. Bail isn’t denied unless there is clear evidence of corruption and money trails. AAP’s accusations are attempts to deflect attention from their scams. The public is fed up with their drama and excuses. These AAP-Da leaders didn’t get bail for a long time—the AAP-Da Deputy CM didn’t get bail for 2 years, the CM for many months, and several other leaders spent days in jail. These decisions are made by the judiciary, not by BJP or any government agency. If there is prima facie evidence and a money trail, then bail is delayed until all witnesses provide their statements. They are still facing court cases, and their claim of being given a clean chit is bizarre. Look at the CAG report of Rs 2000 crore—it was not prepared by the BJP. These scams happened under AAP-Da, not BJP. In fact, AAP-Da leaders have a habit of playing the victim, blaming others, including neighboring states, and making excuses. The people are fed up with this behavior.
Where do the Poorvanchali people in Delhi stand—are they with BJP or AAP?
AAP-Da has exploited poor people, including Poorvanchali communities, with false promises of free water and other amenities. However, these communities have suffered under AAP’s rule, buying water from tanker mafias and facing deteriorating living conditions. PM Modi’s governance—evidenced by initiatives like the Sabarmati Riverfront—inspires hope. Poorvanchali people now support BJP for genuine development.
What do PM Modi’s frequent visits to Odisha signify?
PM Modi fulfills his promises. His visits to Odisha reflect his commitment to neglected regions. Just like the Northeast, which saw tremendous development under his leadership, Odisha is witnessing similar progress. Modi’s visits ensure oversight and accountability in these efforts, ensuring that development reaches the state.
The delay in electing Odisha’s state BJP president has raised questions. Could this impact national organizational elections?
There’s no delay. BJP’s grassroots process requires elections at the district and state levels before the national president’s election. In Odisha, the district president results have recently been finalized, and the state president will follow soon.
What is your perspective on the “One Nation, One Election” Bill and the Waqf Amendment Bill?
Streamlining elections is crucial for effective governance. Frequent elections hinder administrative focus. The Waqf Amendment Bill and Uniform Civil Code (UCC) align with constitutional principles, ensuring equality under the law and preventing misuse of resources. India currently spends an inordinate amount of time on campaigning, which hinders governance. Every other democracy has streamlined elections, which gives them more time for governance. We need to address this issue nationally. As for the UCC, it is part of the Constitution’s directive principles. It was left unfinished due to the turmoil during Independence, but the Constitution should aspire for its completion. States are addressing it individually, but this is a national issue that needs to be resolved.
How does BJP’s manifesto differ from AAP’s?
BJP’s manifestos always focus on fulfilling promises, unlike AAP’s, which remain largely unimplemented. BJP’s manifesto ensures corruption-free, inclusive development, while AAP’s lacks intent and integrity. Our track record of delivering on promises sets us apart.