Born and raised in Krishna Nagar, Aam Aadmi Party candidate S.K. Bagga is up against BJP chief ministerial hopeful Kiran Bedi.
The 60-year-old lawyer says being a local puts him above any “outsider” and is confident of winning the seat held by the BJP for 20 years.
What are the main problems facing Krishna Nagar and what has been former MLA Harsh Vardhan’s track record?
Most drains are choked and overflowing. Sanitation is poor as there is no proper garbage collection and disposal. Lack of security for women and businessmen has made Krishna Nagar a hub for crime.
Harsh Vardhan ji is a very nice person but he has been a non-performing MLA. Despite being a Minister, he could do nothing for Krishna Nagar. If he wished he could have made Krishna Nagar a model constituency.
What is your agenda for Krishna Nagar?
Firstly, we would cover the entire area with CCTV cameras and increase beat officers and police booths . There should be parking lots and free WiFi in markets.
A new multi-specialty hospital and regular upkeep of existing government hospitals is my priority.
Has Kiran Bedi’s candidature from Krishna Nagar affected your campaign?
It has had no effect on the AAP’s campaign. We have stood with the people when they needed us . Our fight is based on the AAP’s principles and ideology versus those of other parties.
Our fight is not with any individual. In fact, Ms. Bedi’s candidature has swung support in our favour because voters have seen the real face of the BJP. Their single agenda is to defeat Arvind ji, not development.
Who do you see as your primary competitor?
Our main competitor is the BJP and our prospects of winning are 100 per cent. This is based on facts; it’s not an overestimation. Separate surveys before and after the announcement of Ms. Bedi’s candidature have shown the AAP’s support has gone up from 40 per cent to 60 per cent, while the BJP’s has remained at 34 per cent.
