The Tribune Interview: Parvesh Verma, BJP candidate from New Delhi
Pitted against AAP supremo and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the VIP New Delhi segment, BJP’s Parvesh Verma, former two-term BJP MP from West Delhi, spoke to Ujwal Jalali of The Tribune about challenges of the contest, BJP’s silence on CM face and other issues. Excerpts:
You were not fielded in LS elections. Now you’ve been fielded from New Delhi seat instead of your West Delhi area; why?
The BJP believes in collective leadership and strategic decision-making. Responsibilities are given based on organisational needs, not personal preferences. I have always worked for the people of Delhi. The party has entrusted me with the crucial New Delhi seat. My focus is people’s welfare.
AAP says BJP is “Bin Dulhe ki Baraat”, it has not declared a CM face.
The BJP is a party that believes in teamwork and collective leadership. For us, Delhi is like mother. Unlike AAP, which revolves around one individual, we have a strong organisational structure. Our focus is on winning Delhi with a vision, not personality-based politics. Once we win, the party leadership will decide the CM face based on merit and capability.
AAP has called you anti Punjabi for your remarks about Punjab vehicles entering Delhi?
This is another AAP attempt to deflect. My comments were twisted out of context. I have the highest respect for Punjabis and their contribution to the nation. AAP has done the greatest disservice to Punjab by misgoverning Delhi and using its resources for Delhi politics. People of Punjab and Delhi both see through their games now.
How many seats will BJP win?
The BJP will get a historic mandate in Delhi. People are fed up with corruption and lies. Our ground feedback shows that Delhi is ready for a big change. I am confident the BJP will win with a clear majority.
AAP has been accusing you of distributing doles, manipulating electoral rolls. Your response?
This is classic AAP propaganda — when they see defeat looming, they resort to baseless allegations. The Election Commission is monitoring everything. I challenge them to show even a shred of evidence. AAP is frustrated as people are rejecting their lies and corruption. Their politics is based on fake narratives but Delhi’s people are aware now.
The BJP has not won Delhi for three decades, what’s different now?
This time, people have seen through the false promises and failures of AAP. Corruption, mismanagement and administrative collapse under Arvind Kejriwal’s government have made it clear that Delhi needs a strong and stable leadership. BJP’s governance model, as seen in other states, has delivered results. We have a clear vision for Delhi. People are ready for a change.
BJP used to taunt AAP for “rewadi culture”, now your own manifesto is full of freebies?
There is a huge difference between “revadi culture” and welfare policies. The BJP does not believe in distributing freebies for political mileage. We focus on structured and long-term welfare schemes to empower people. What AAP has done is reckless unplanned spending, which has pushed Delhi into financial distress. Our policies ensure sustainable development unlike AAP’s temporary lollipops that do nothing for real progress.
BJP speaks of women-led development. Why only nine women candidates in Delhi?
The BJP has always been at the forefront of women’s empowerment. We passed the Women’s Reservation Bill, ensuring 33% reservation for women in Lok Sabha and state assemblies. Our schemes - Ujjwala Yojana, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and Mudra Yojana have significantly uplifted women. Representation is not just about numbers in elections, it’s about empowering women in real life and in that the BJP has done that better than other parties.
Your roadmap for New Delhi segment?
New Delhi faces multiple issues, including water supply problems and rutted roads. There are 22 slums in New Delhi and worsening pollution. My focus will be on clean governance, better infrastructure, better public transport, ‘Jahan jhuggi wahi makan’ and permanent solutions for dhobi samaj. I want to make New Delhi a model constituency. We will work on waste management, better civic amenities and safety of women and elderly. Our roadmap includes development without corruption — something AAP has failed to deliver.
