Kapil Mishra, the BJP's candidate for Karawal Nagar in the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, claimed that the people of Delhi are growing increasingly frustrated with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government’s frequent confrontations with the Lieutenant Governor and the Centre.
Mishra argued that this dissatisfaction is driving many voters to look at the BJP as a viable alternative.
Mishra, who will face Manoj Tyagi from AAP and PK Mishra from Congress in the 5 February elections, pointed out that the AAP had failed in governance.
"They do not have a CM candidate," Mishra said, alluding to the Supreme Court’s imposition of restrictions on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
Mishra added that Kejriwal’s leadership had failed to address key issues such as poor infrastructure and pollution in the city.
Mishra also criticised AAP for fielding individuals accused in the 2020 northeast Delhi riots. He described this as an attempt to exacerbate the wounds of the communal violence.
"The wounds of the 2020 northeast Delhi riots are still fresh, and we will not forget what happened," Mishra said, adding, "Bringing the accused into the election fray is a deliberate attempt to rub salt into our wounds."
Referring specifically to Tahir Hussain, a former AAP councillor charged in the riots, Mishra stated that his inclusion in the fray for the Mustafabad seat, where violence occurred, was harmful to the people of Delhi.
Mishra further alleged that AAP and Congress were both focusing on Muslim voters at the expense of the rest of Delhi's population.
He said, "They do not care about the rest of Delhi's residents."
Addressing his Hindutva image, Mishra insisted that it was a positive aspect of his campaign.
“Hindutva is not an election issue for us, it is our way of life. And if we have to pay a price for it in politics, we are willing to pay that price,” Mishra asserted.
On the BJP's prospects in Delhi, Mishra said the party would form the next government, claiming that Delhi’s residents wanted a government that could work closely with Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the city's development.
"People are frustrated with the ruling AAP, which is constantly engaging in conflicts with the central government or the LG. This has frustrated the people who are now looking at the BJP as an alternative," he added.
Mishra, who was previously with AAP, accused Kejriwal of neglecting basic civic issues.
"Why are Delhi’s roads in bad condition? Why is the air polluted? Why is the water quality poor? He should address these issues, including the polluted state of the Yamuna," Mishra said.
According to him, Kejriwal had failed to deliver on his promises over the last decade.
Turning to the upcoming election, Mishra expressed confidence in BJP’s campaign, citing a surge in enthusiasm among party candidates.
"We feel stronger than ever after PM Modi’s speech. We are excited and confident as we approach the final phase of the election campaign," he said.
Mishra’s priorities, if elected, would include addressing urgent local issues such as drainage problems, damaged roads, traffic congestion, and water supply.
He also stressed the need for better connectivity, cleanliness, parks, sports centres, and marriage halls in the region.
"These basic facilities are missing, and we will work to provide them," he said.
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