Newly-appointed Delhi BJP president Satish Upadhyay is yet to assume charge of the office but he has plans ready to usher in a ‘positive change’ in the party’s organisational structure.
Discipline within the party will be his key concern as State unit president and time-bound delivery of services will be his prime job as a senior functionary of the South Delhi Municipal Corporation. For Upadhyay, greater challenge lies ahead particularly in the wake of an impending re-election to Delhi legislative Assembly. Irrespective of displeasure of some senior leaders on his appointment as the president, the 52-year old leader denies factionalism in the party and said that the party stands united. As he prepares to take over as Delhi BJP president on Thursday, Upadhyay shared his plan to strengthen the party as well as his vision for development of Delhi in a conversation with Rakesh Ranjan.
Here are the excerpts from the interview.
What is your opinion on Government formation in Delhi; will the BJP opt for re-electionsIJ
The BJP is yet to take a call on opting for re-elections or exploring the possibility of Government formation. The matter will be discussed with all party MlAs in Delhi and the office-bearers. Their opinion will be conveyed to the Central leadership and a decision will be taken accordingly. I have no personal view on this issue. The party’s view will be my view.
Will there be a change in organisational structureIJ
The change is quite natural. Putting the party’s house in order will be my top priority. The function and role of each of the party leaders and office-bearers will be assessed and changes will be made accordingly. A decision on appointing new office-bearers will only be taken after holding meeting with party workers and discussion with senior leaders. Discipline within the party and delivery of services will be the focus area.
How do you plan to deal with factionalism within the partyIJ
I do not see differences within the BJP or its leaders. The party is united and all the party leaders have a definite role to play. However, if problems crop up, they will be addressed through discussions. The young leaders and workers within the party will be encouraged.
Being a municipal councillor, how will your appointment as president of the ruling party contribute to functioning of the civic bodiesIJ
The governance in each of the three municipal corporations will be improved. Fresh innovative ideas along with optimum use of technology and social media will be ensured. As a councillor I understand the basic issues concerning the common men. The problems will be addressed with active participation of people. Time-bound delivery of services in civic bodies will be ensured and the responsibility of bureaucrats will be fixed. A positive change in entire work culture in the municipal corporations will be visible soon.
What is your vision for development of DelhiIJ
The BJP is committed to fulfil the promises made in its manifesto for the Assembly and lok Sabha Polls. Every household in the city will be provided drinking water and uninterrupted electricity supply. Full Statehood to the Capital, development of villages, unauthorised colonies and transport infrastructure are top on BJP’s priority list and the promises will be fulfilled. The party will work tirelessly towards fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of development.