She is one of the youngest and the most eloquent BJP faces contesting the lok Sabha polls starting this month.
As BJP candidate from the prestigious New Delhi parliamentary constituency, MEENAKSHI lEKHI has picked up the issues of slums, villages and power and water crisis in these areas as her poll plank to take on two-time sitting Congress MP Ajay Maken. She also faces the challenge of bringing back to BJP’s fold the seat which was in the past represented by BJP icon Atal Bihari Vajpayee and the stalwart lal Krishna Advani. As an activist and a noted lawyer, lekhi also puts forth her vision for women safety and empowerment to bring about a positive change in their social status. The BJP candidate said the people of New Delhi want Narendra Modi to become the next Prime Minister and hence, it will not be a difficult task for her to clinch the seat from the Congress. In a conversation with RAKESH RANJAN, she discussed her poll plank and her vision for development of the constituency.
How do you plan to take on your opponentsIJ
The people of New Delhi are disenchanted with the Congress. Its leaders remained invisible for complete five years and hence, they are unaware and indifferent to the problems faced by the common people. I need not devise any strategy to take on the opponents but they already stand exposed. The Aam Aadmi Party has dug its own grave with its ‘misdeeds’.
What are the key issues with which you go to the voters of the constituencyIJ
The issues are wide-ranging. It is shameful that the New Delhi constituency is house to over a dozen slums where people are forced to live in a pitiable state even after 67 years of Independence. The condition of villages in New Delhi is no different. People in these localities crave for basic amenities like water and power connection. Similarly, thousands of people are leading deplorable life in several dhobi ghats and servant quarters in these areas. No effort was made by the Government to improve their living standard and thus, creating social inequality.
The issue of Kathputli Colony is turning into a major political issue. How do you see itIJ
There is a scam in allocation of the huge chunk of land, where Kathputli Colony is located, to private builders. Over 20,000 people have been living in this colony for the last 50 years and they cannot be forced to vacate the same. My party and I have demanded a CBI probe into the matter. There is prima facie involvement of the Union Urban Development Ministry and DDA officials in this scam.
What are your priorities for development of New Delhi constituencyIJ
I have promised my people improvement of urbanised slums and villages. Apart from water and power, proper accommodation will be provided to them. The ever-increasing pressure on existing infrastructure will be eased out. Appropriate utilisation of the MPlAD fund will be ensured.
How big a challenge is the Aam Aadmi Party in the lok Sabha pollsIJ
The real face of the AAP has been exposed. The way they ran away from governance is for all to see. People of New Delhi will not repeat the mistake of voting for the Aam Aadmi Party.