Gangsters, land grabbers can't be mayor, says minister Rao Narbir

State Forest Minister Rao Narbir Singh has criticised an independent mayoral candidate in Manesar, stating civic leadership should not be entrusted to criminals. Narbir was referring to Dr Inderjeet Yadav, the wife of former gangster Rakesh Hayatpuria.

“You need to look at where your candidate comes from and what their past conduct is,” Narbir said. “This is the first time Manesar is choosing its own civic representatives and we cannot allow gangsters or land grabbers to become mayor. If this happens, people will face goons taking over their homes.”

Narbir was campaigning for BJP candidate Sarpanch Sunder Lal, who has been vocal in challenging the independent candidate, believed to be his main competition. “Everybody knows that Dr Inderjeet Yadav is just a face and a rubber stamp. In reality, it’s Rakesh Hayatpuria who is running and trying to deceive the people. Not just us, but even the voters know about them. They’ve done nothing for Manesar except harass the people. No matter what, we will not let gangsters rule Gurugram again,” Sunder Lal said.

Yadav claimed Hayatpuria had sought tickets from all political parties; however, after being rejected, pushed his wife to run as an independent candidate.

In the wake of the BJP’s state-wide manifesto release, a Manesar-specific manifesto was unveiled, promising an infrastructure development plan with a focus on upgraded water, sanitation and sewage systems. The party also pledged special attention to the needs of the town’s industrial sectors.

“Industry is the backbone of Manesar and we will ensure the industrial areas and units do not face any infrastructure crises,” said BJP candidate Sunder Lal Yadav.