North West parliamentary constituency is headed for an interesting battle as the Congress, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) have fielded new faces. This Lok Sabha seat comprises 83 villages, a big industrial area in Bawana and a large chunk of population from all corners of the country. The populace of this 'reserved' seat are faced with the perennial problem of connectivity with the rest of the national Capital. Sanitation is another problem that poses risk to the general health and paucity of potable water tops them all.
North West Delhi Lok Sabha constituency came into existence in 2008 as a part of the implementation of the recommendations of the Delimitation Commission of India constituted in 2002. This constituency is reserved for the candidates belonging to the Scheduled castes. North West Delhi Lok Sabha constituency comprises ten Vidhan Sabha segments such as Nerela, Badli, Rithala, Bawana, Mundka, Kirari, Sultan Pur Majra, Nangloi Jat, Mangol Puri and Rohini.
The Pioneer caught up with Rajesh Lilothia, the Congress candidate, during his campaign in the constituency. Lilothia spoke on issueds faced by the electorates of this part of the city.
What are the issues of North West Delhi?
There are many problems in this constituency such as better transport connectivity, housing facilities and most importantly women safety that need to be addressed on priority basis. The constituency has been facing apathy of the BJP's representative and nothing has been done by him to address the core issues. I have worked on the 'INDIRA SHAKTI' App in my area that is designed to ensure women safety. My vision for the area will prove beneficial for the people in solving these issues.
How are you going to address the issue of housing, sanitation and availability of cheap ration?
All of these issues have been listed in our party manifesto which will be incorporated once the Congress party is voted to power. I will work day and night for the people of North West and will solve all these issues within a year after being elected as an MP.
Who do you think is your real competitor, AAP or BJP?
When we talk about the parliamentary elections, it is always a contest between national parties. Elected MPs of national party can raise peoples' voice in parliament and people are well aware that the Congress is the only party who can and will serve the nation honestly.
Sheila Dikshit had constructed thousands of houses for the poor in Narela and Bawana & most of these are lying vacant. Lack of transportation is said to be one of the reason. How are you going to address this issue if elected as an MP?
Yes, there is a public transport crisis and that could be one reason. I promise that frequent bus services and other medium of transportation will be ensured in the area besides connecting it from Metro line as well. Metro connectivity would connect all rural villages in my area.
Residents of rural areas are dealing with water crisis. The water crisis issue to be resolved is mentioned every time in parties manifesto. How will you tackle this pressing issue as a parliamentarian ?
My plan for all the rural and backward areas of North West Delhi regarding the water crisis is to implement the laying of water pipelines & better sanitation facilities to ensure water and better health care in every house.
Do you think failure in forming alliance with AAP will cost you or other Congress candidates?
Definitely not, I believe that forging no alliance with AAP is in favour of the Congress. I have been opposing the alliance talk with it since day one. They are 'power mongers' and lied people on different occasion
AAP is raising statehood issue. Your comment...
They have not fulfilled any promises which they made in 2015 and statehood is one of their jumla to cover up for their failures.