The Tribune INTERVIEW: Devender Yadav, Delhi Congress president and Badli candidate
With nine days to go for the Assembly elections, Delhi Congress president and two-time MLA of Badli Devender Yadav in an exclusive interview with Anshita Mehra of The Tribune ruled out any prospects of a post-poll alliance with the ruling AAP should the capital witness a hung Assembly. Yadav also spoke of his party’s 2013 decision to back the AAP government, issues concerning his constituency among a range of things. Excerpts:
Will you support AAP in case there is hung Assembly?
There will be no compromise, no alliance and no support.
How do you look back at the Congress’ 2013 call to back AAP from outside?
At that time, we felt the sentiment was strongly in favor of the Aam Aadmi Party. They had won 28 seats and we had been reduced to eight. The decision to support AAP was made with the thought of not burdening the exchequer as people wanted AAP to rule. We thought it would be beneficial for Delhi. However, looking back after 10-11 years, we realise that supporting that government was one of our major ‘galti’ (huge mistake), but no more of that ‘galti’.
You have won twice and lost twice from Badli, your chances this time?
I see a complete change this time around. I first contested from Badli in 2008 and people voted for me allowing me to bring development to a previously backward constituency. From the Metro to railway underpasses, stadiums, parks, schools, and even development in unauthorised areas, I worked tirelessly. This strong connection with the people gave me another chance to be reelected when AAP had a wave going in 2013. However, in the last two elections, we lost. People had hopes from AAP, seeing it as an option to the BJP and the Congress. But now the people are missing the progress I brought to Badli.
What are the main issues in your constituency, which has a two-time sitting AAP MLA?
Much remains to be done. Many projects we had sanctioned should have been strengthened and made functional. Now after 10 years, we’re facing issues like lack of basic road infrastructure. People are still waiting for the keys to the 7,400 flats we built for them. The financial situation is tough; many depend on ration cards and pensions. However, over the last few years, no new pensions or ration cards have been issued. Contaminated water supply and garbage heap at Bhalswa are also major problems. Addressing issues like job creation, clean drinking water and proper infrastructure are also critical.
Yet, the Congress allied with AAP for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and is going solo now?
After the Lok Sabha elections, our party agreed we should have contested separately. Since then, we’ve been on the ground, raising people’s issues and holding AAP and the BJP accountable. Over time, we’ve earned people’s trust because of our past delivery, and we promise to continue that if given a chance in 2025.
AAP claims that Congress is the ‘B’ team of BJP?
This is a diversionary tactic. As for who is the B-party of whom, I would like to mention a few examples where AAP has helped the BJP by splitting the vote. In Goa, Gujarat, Rajasthan and recently in Haryana, where they secured just 1.46 per cent of the votes, it was clearly to support the BJP. These are examples of their intentions and reveal how they are working hand in glove with the BJP
Why are Congress central leaders absent from Nyay Yatra and now rallies?
In Naya Yatra, all our senior leaders participated at different levels. However, Rahul and Priyanka couldn’t join due to their commitments. Priyanka was contesting elections in Kerala and Rahul was focused on Maharashtra and Jharkhand. Despite this, I’m happy Rahul joined the Seelampur rally, even before we had filed our nominations. Unfortunately, the last three rallies had to be cancelled owning to his health, but we expect him to join as soon as he’s fine. You will definitely see Priyanka on the road, Kharge doing rallies, and of course, Rahul will be part of it too.
What are Congress prospects in this election?
We are aiming for a huge majority, and when I say huge majority, I mean based on the sentiments of the people. It’s not just about three organisations contesting the election. It’s about the people. This time, the sentiment of the people is with the Congress. So, yes, we are expecting a huge majority in the coming days.
