BJP: Manifesto to focus on AAP ‘misrule’ amid ‘constitutional crisis’

FROM A ‘positive impact’ that ISRO satellites have had on cell phone reception to solutions for clogged city drains, the BJP is working on creating as “unique” a Sankalp Patra (manifesto) for Delhi as its constitutional status, according to those drafting it.

Amid talks of a ‘constitutional crisis’ in the aftermath of the unprecedented arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, BJP’S manifesto will also focus on ‘Modi ki guarantees’ for a “double-engine” government, said sources. The party gathered suggestions for over a fortnight, and is sifting through them. The manifesto will, sources said, also take on key AAP schemes such as free water and power, and promise to bridge the gap between Central welfare schemes and households.

“India’s growing strength internationally, a differentiating factor of the Modi 2.0 government, a focus on the development of national infrastructure such as highways with Delhi at the core will feature prominently,” said a senior BJP leader. “Hyper-local issues, such as neighborhood parks, drainage and sewerage networks and water and power connections, under the solar rooftop policy, for every household will be among our commitments. The national leadership is giving as much time to the manifesto for Delhi as it is for the national one.”

Another BJP leader said that the manifesto will also focus on attacking the “corrupt misrule” of the Aap-led government in Delhi, which is facing corruption allegations in several departments. “We are aware that the manifesto for Delhi, given its unique position, has to reflect the aspirations of people from across the country, who have made it their home. BJP will ensure that it reflects PM Narendra Modi’s vision to transform it into a world-class Capital,” said Pratyush Kanth, national BJP spokesperson and co-incharge of Delhi’s Manifesto Committee.

Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva said the party’s manifesto will focus on “exposing loot in the name of governance perpetrated by the AAP”. “While seeking suggestions, we went to the Bawana industrial area recently, where almost immediately after they brought it to our notice, their long-pending problem of the area not being freehold was solved. The people understand only BJP can stand for them and by them.”

“In Delhi, we are getting water for Rs 50 per litre in the name of subsidy; they (AAP) only give subsidy on 200 units of power; we have the national solar rooftop policy which will give residents 100 units more; all their schemes... that actually hurt the pockets of the people will be exposed.”

Delhi BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor, panel member, said suggestions about environment, energy, transportation, urban development, safety and security — made by the Unified Residents Joint Action of Delhi (URJA) — will also be considered.