No one can just stake claim to Delhi CM post … BJP leadership will decide, after introspection: Hardeep Puri

This (mandate) was not only expected but deserved by the people of Delhi. It may just appear like an electoral win but it is more than that — it is a significant political development. It puts paid to the model of deceit and fraud that he (AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal) had come up with. Power subsidy is fine… give financial assistance to those who need it. But what about the instances of inflated power bills that the deceit was being carried out through? Work towards providing better utilities to the people but you simply must make them viable. Getting him out, as the people of Delhi have done, was a necessity.

How will the BJP ensure continuity of the AAP government’s welfare schemes?

The BJP will ensure a seamless transition both in governance as well as these schemes. Whatever he (Arvind Kejriwal) has done, we will not undo any of it. But we will ensure that the corruption component that these schemes suffer from is completely cut out.

What will be among the top priorities for the incoming BJP government?

Over and above the schemes dedicated to women citizens, the people of Delhi will get not just Rs 5 lakh but Rs 10 lakh for medical treatment, and significant Central schemes like the PMAY (Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana) will be implemented. We tried to ensure that these schemes were put in place earlier, but it takes two to tango. He (Kejriwal) stalled them. A BJP government — both at the Centre and in Delhi — will change that.

What is the BJP’s vision for Delhi?

The Capital of India, which is moving towards becoming the third-largest economy in the world, cannot be allowed to look like a dumpyard. We have to rebuild Delhi. The masterplan (for Delhi), which had been pending implementation under the AAP, will finally be put in place. We will clean the Yamuna and develop its riverfront like the Sabarmati. Delhi will look and become a world-class capital city worthy of a rising India.

The BJP is known for springing surprises when it comes to the choice of a Chief Minister; there are many claimants as it is. Are you also one of the potential choices?

Do not pay heed to any speculation in this regard. It is a question of giving Delhi, where the party was not in power for almost three decades, a face for the coming five years. It is a significant question that calls for much deeper introspection before making a decision. No one can simply stake a claim to this (post); the decision will be taken by the top leadership of the party.