In an interview with MiD DAY, newly appointed Delhi BJP chief Vijender Gupta slams the CM, casts aspersions on CWG projects
In an interview with MiD DAY, newly appointed Delhi BJP chief Vijender Gupta slams the CM, casts aspersions on CWG projects
Vijender Gupta is a busy man. Even after four days of his taking charge of Delhi BJP, the bouquets have kept coming. Supporters, too, are thronging his northwest Delhi residence and the party office at Pandit Pant Marg is abuzz with action. In the presence of his wife Shobha, Gupta spokeu00a0 about his relations with the chief minister and the challenges as a young leader in a party of 'elders'.
Power couple: Vijender Gupta, the new BJP President of Delhi, and his
wife Shobha during an interview with MiD DAY, at his residence in Rohini,
in northwest Delhi on Tuesday. PIC/RAJEEV TYAGI
There is euphoria over the upcoming Commonwealth Games. Do you feel the expectations are excessive?
The Commonwealth Games have turned into an opportunity for some pomp and show. In terms of the infrastructure development and renovation of the national capital, the city has not been able to reap the expected or estimated benefits. There has been a compromise with quality as they have failed to utilise the time that they had for the preparation of the Games. The huge amount spent in the name of the Commonwealth Games have not had any visible effect. When there should have been celebrations, there is sadness and anger after reading in the papers that there are talks of the government shutting down schools, shops, markets for 25 days during the Games.
How would you rate Sheila Dikshit and the state government's performance so far?
Individually she has been displaying heights of arrogance. Her government is insensitive and after all these years the state government has become lethargic. In fact it wouldn't be wrong to say that the government is an indoor government, not a field one. They are not doing anything in the interest of the common man.
And what about Congress' heir apparentu00a0- Rahul Gandhi?
It is an internal matter of the Congress party, but they totally bereft of internal democracy. In the name of empowering the youth and giving them a chance, they are promoting their kith and kin. The youth leadership that has come out of the Congress party does not represent the masses or the common man. I am the quintessential leader who has been chosen by the party as I represent and understand the common man. Rahul Gandhi is merely a mascot; a symbol of the hidden agenda of the party promoting, the fourth generation of one family.
What challenges do you foresee within the party?
I have the great responsibility to encourage the party workers.
And what about the people? How do you plan to connect with them?
I want to make my party the voice of the masses. The people's voice should be heard at all quarters of the government's door. This has to be done with more activism with aggression and will become possible if we have the faith of our people.
In your opinion, which are the key issues affecting Delhiites currently?u00a0
Price rise is the biggest issue plaguing the common man. Not just that but crimes against women and children have become a huge concern. Because of the unplanned growth of the city, traffic and basic needs have been destabilised. Under my leadership, I will put pressure on the government and make them become the voice of
| Home, sweet home |
| Vijender Gupta owns two other addresses in the area, but he considers his Vinoba Kunj apartment in Sector-9, Rohini as his lucky charm. Insiders say that since Gupta gained steady ascendancy within the party while his stay at this residence, he is not keen to vacate it now. The interview with MiD DAY too happened there. |
New role, new responsibility. Do you get any time for yourself? What was the last movie you saw?
I love watching late night shows with my family, the last movie I saw was Housefull. I enjoyed the comedy. My favourite actors are Boman Irani and Paresh Rawal. Deepika Padukone and Priyanka are my favourite actresses.
And what are your hobbies?
I love travelling and exploring new places.
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