For the people of Krishna Nagar, their local issues have taken a backseat ever since BJP declared four-time MlA from the constituency, Dr Harsh Vardhan, as its chief ministerial candidate.
Despite being confronted with problems like water, electricity and congestion, residents of this Trans-Yamuna Assembly seat are all politically charged for the December 4 polls. Meanwhile, the Congress’ decision to proffer ex-BJP councillor, Dr VK Monga, as its candidate for the seat, has further propelled the excitement here as he too is a known face in Krishna Nagar.
There are constituencies which, for years, have been a cakewalk for the Congress. And there are constituencies which have been considered as BJP bastion for long. Krishna Nagar falls in the second category. After having pocketed the seat four times in a row since 1993, former Delhi health minister and former Delhi BJP chief, Vardhan, continues to grow stronger.
His chances to make it five in row is far from being remote as for the people of this constituency, the idea of having a MlA who is a probable chief minister for the Capital comes as a glorious moment. “Obviously we would support Dr Sahab, not only because he is an honest and approachable man, but also because he may be the next Chief Minister of Delhi,” said Bharat Bhushan, a resident of Geeta Colony.
Although many complain of parking and water issues not being resolved, people of this constituency have a lot of expectations from Vardhan, “He will definitely focus on Krishna Nagar once he becomes the chief minister. Why wouldn’t heIJ He himself is a resident of this region. Yes, there are several problems we face here, but so is the case in every other constituency,” said Aarti Mehra, a shop owner at lal Quarter Market in Krishna Nagar.
Parking is a mess in this area. Vardhan claims of having made a parking lot which would accommodate 350 cars, but residents say work for the same is yet to begin. Some political experts have criticised the Congress of nominating a weak candidate to fight against Vardhan, yet the locals here believe that it was rather a right move. “No one other than VK Monga could give a better fight to Vardhan. Congress had no better option. There are many common grounds between Vardhan and Monga. Both are doctors and have clinics here. Both are approachable. Mongaji is also a known face and has worked for the people here,” said Raghunath Jain, a resident of Krishna Nagar.
When asked Vardhan of how he sees his competition against Monga who was a close aide of his until last year, he replied, “I have been working for the people here since 1993 and they love me. Many such leaders and contenders have come and gone. I am not bothered about others.” On the other hand, Monga said, “Vardhan may be honest, but he is also arrogant. I am sure, my positive style of functioning, contact with the masses and the work I have done as a Councilor in the area will compel people to vote for me.”