'I don't feel threatened by anyone'

Bharatiya Janata Party’s Brahm Singh Tanwar had won south Delhi’s Chhatarpur constituency with over 45 per cent of the votes in December 2013. In an interview with Vishnu Sukumaran, the 61-year-old says he understands the needs of the locals. Excerpts:

You won with a huge margin in 2013. But has the political scenario changed?

Absolutely, it has. Under the leadership of Narendra Modi, we have shown as to how after a long time, there could be a government in power with absolute majority.

It became possible due to our belief in growth with the common man at the center. During the swearing-in speech of the Aam Aadmi Party government, Arvind Kejriwal had highlighted the conduct of AAP activists to be humble.

He claimed that arrogance would not creep into AAP. In a few days, it was proven beyond doubt that AAP was actually an Arrogant Aadmi Party. Those who voted for AAP have understood that they were cheated.

But even in the past 10 months of the BJP government at the centre, the denizens of Delhi have been facing long power cuts, water shortage and unchecked price rise is essential commodities.

If voted to power, we will announce significant cuts in electricity and water tariff. Price rise is almost under control if you consider the change that prices of petrol and diesel when compared with that of early 2014.

The AAP had made tall promises before the election of 2013, which distracted voters. But none of these promises was fulfiled. The BJP has a record of delivering promises and the Modi government shows the party’s ability to govern well and fulfil promises.

Primary concern highlighted by locals in Chhatarpur is about travelling after dark. How will you tackle it?

I agree that Delhi-NCR is a large area with heavy movement of people within the region.
The Delhi Metro and DTC play a significant role in facilitating the commute, but the last mile of the journey is still dependent on a rickshaw ride.

I feel e-rickshaws are a great innovation and have a vital role in solving the last-mile public transport. They can be an asset if handled well. Too much control will kill the innovation. So we need to play the role of facilitators. We must not discard them just because it hurts some other corporates.

Whom do you consider as the biggest political rival during the upcoming elections?
I had defeated former MLA Balram Tanwar of Congress with a margin of over 16,000 votes in the election of 2013. Balram was clearly rejected by people, but has been retained for the election.

My second nearest rival last time Rishi Pal of AAP has been replaced with Kartar Singh Tanwar. I believe he does not have much experience in the political arena.

So I don’t feel threatened by any of the political party or independent candidate. I have full confidence that the people in the my constituency are satisfied with my work and look forward to a stable government with the BJP.