Making a strong pitch against the ongoing protest at Shaheen Bagh against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and National Register of Citizens, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar has termed the sit-in “politically motivated”. In an interview with The Pioneer’s Sapna Singh, Javadekar said the protest was deliberately being stretched and there was a vicious attempt to poison the young children who are calling out for the killing of PM Modi and Amit Shah. Javadekar, also the BJP’s poll in-charge in Delhi, spoke at length on issues like selection of candidates, the party’s strategies for the polls and the campaign to take on the ruling AAP Government. Excerpts from the interview:
How big the impact of CAA/NRC protest is going to have in Delhi polls. Will the ongoing protest in Shaheen Bagh backfire?
Protest against CAA is politically motivated and agenda-based. This will have no impact on Delhi polls as it is not going to polarise Hindu or Muslim votes. Even those opposing the CAA are well aware that the law has nothing to do with people of India. The protest is troubling lakhs of people every day. What we see is five-year-old children calling out for killing of Modi and Shah.
People in India are well aware about original 1955 - CAA which gives citizenship to anyone who fulfils the criteria. The recent amendment in the Act will give citizenship to those who are persecuted on religious bases in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. BJP is ensuring that no one's citizenship is in danger.
CAA is in limelight because a handful of people have been protesting in the Capital for the last 40 days. There are various confusions among people which will be definitely cleared and may take three or six months.
BJP is relying heavily on young or lesser known faces. What is the strategy behind this. Do you think fielding newcomers against sitting Minster of AAP will work for BJP?
This is the rule of our party (BJP) to give ticket to new faces. One third candidates will always remain new. Those who are relevant in today's time in his/her constituency, ticket will be given to him/her. In BJP, winnability is the only criteria. We ensure and promote equal participation of women candidate.
What is BJP's take on AAP's freebies?
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is giving benefits to lakhs of Delhiites. With the regularisation of unauthorised colonies in Delhi, with few registration charges, BJP is giving them the benefit in Lakhs instead of few thousands by providing free water/electricity.
It is Arvind Kejriwal, who is keeping away Delhi people from the Central Government benefit. For instance; we give six thousand rupees to farmers across India. However, Kejriwal deprived Delhi farmers of this benefit by not submitting farmers' list to us. In Ayushman scheme, he has done the same by not implementing it in Delhi.
Is this election a fight between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Delhi Chief Minsiter Arvind Kejriwal?
No. BJP is projecting PM Modi for his policies favouring every citizen of India. PM vs Kejriwal is an idea of good governance and bad governance. in previous Delhi elections, people came from outside to support AAP but this time, no one has come forward beacsue people feel betrayed from Kejriwal's governance where most of the party candidates are facing charges of corruption. There is a wave of deception about AAP which we do not want. That's why PM Modi is an example of good governance.
If BJP wins election in Delhi, will you support the idea of full statehood status to Delhi?
Well, full statehood status to the national Capital is a matter of debate across the globe. Our aim is to focus on development.
BJP is contesting elections in Delhi without a CM face for the first time. In 2008, VK Malhotra, in 2013 Dr Harshvardhan and in 2015, Kiran Bedi. Please comment.
The rule of law in party is: People vote for the party not to a face! We did not project CM face in Haryana, Maharashtra. This will go for Delhi elections as well.
What is BJP's strategy for Delhi election campaigining?
Yes, everyday, our Ministers are engaging with Delhi people in small gathering. The purpose of this engagement is to convey what BJP has done for people— be it abrogation of Article 370, triple talaq, Ram Mandir or CAA/NRC. From 27 January onwards, there will be thousands of meetings for the next 10 days and thus, there will be a carpet bombing with 10,000 meetings. From Cabinet Ministers to party workers, everyone is involved with masses at booth level. We are announcing our vision document soon.
Despite having old relationship with SAD, the party is not contesting elections. Is BJP anti-Sikh ?
Every party has a ideology or a line, BJP respects it. SAD was not agreeing to CAA. Our alliance will remain intact but SAD has refused to contest elections in Delhi.
