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This is an archive article published on January 26, 1998

"All civic bodies like DDA, DVB are corrupt civic bodies"

Vijay Goel, a first time Bharatiya Janata Party MP from Delhi Sadar in the 11th Lok Sabha, speaks to Joy Purkayastha about his work and his ...

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Vijay Goel, a first time Bharatiya Janata Party MP from Delhi Sadar in the 11th Lok Sabha, speaks to Joy Purkayastha about his work and his prospects in the coming General elections. He is contesting from Chandni Chowk this year.

Q: Are you unhappy with the shift from Sadar to Chandni Chowk, especially since you defeated a Congress heavyweight last time?

A: Not at all. There is hardly any difference between the two constituencies as the problems are similar. Last time also I defeated a person whose name starts with the letter J. I am sure I will defeat J P Aggarwal.

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Q: What are you going to do for Chandni Chowk? You must have been focussing on Sadar all along, you had even set up your election office there much before your party announced the list.

A: Chandni Chowk is a congested area as most of the wholesale business is conducted here. Traffic jams are a serious problem too. I am going to change all that and restore the old glory in what was once Shahjahanabad. Temporary structures will be removed and I am going to get splendid memorials build for people like Mirza Ghalib.

Q: But how will solve the traffic congestion in the area?

A: First, I will bring in battery- operated buses so that pollution is minimised. And second, two-way traffic will be done away with the busy areas. Also, flyovers must be built here. I will ensure that the godowns are shifted elsewhere.

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Q: Recently, the police were thinking of enforcing Section 144 Cr.P.C. as a means to deter large gatherings at least till the bomb blast suspects are caught…

A: I think the police will never be able to a catch them. So Section 144 will lead to unnecessary harassment for the public. The police cannot hide their flaws.

Q: What about the slums? Paharganj and Ajmeri Gate are dotted with them.

A: All slums will be replaced with buildings.

Q: How will you spend the Rs 1 crore per year you will be getting if you are voted back?

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A: Every penny that I spent last time is accounted for. I got the Najafgarh canal developed, I opened schools and built roads. I will do the same in Chandni Chowk.

Q: You seem to be promising too much…What have you in mind for Delhi, what will be your priorities?

A: All of us who get elected from Delhi will ensure that Delhi becomes a state. All these civic bodies like DDA and DVB are corrupt. In fact, the DVB should be privatised.

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