DU national spokesperson Rajeev Ranjan, who succeeded KC Tyagi, shared his insights exclusively with The Daily Guardian. He mentioned that the JDU’s voter base in Delhi has grown significantly, which is why the party is seeking a respectable number of seats in the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, scheduled for February 2025.
Q: Can you share your thoughts on your alliance with the BJP in Delhi?
A: Looking at the current political scenario in Delhi, while AAP had a massive victory last time, this time, the people of Delhi are not as satisfied with them. The alternative is the Bharatiya Janata Party, and we are contesting in alliance with them. In the previous election, we had significant support from the Bihar and Purvanchal communities in Delhi, who played a decisive role in many assembly constituencies, and they can do so again. Our party’s support base has grown here, so we expect a fair share in the seat distribution in Delhi. We are fully confident that the next government should be led by the Bharatiya Janata Party and the NDA alliance.
Q: JDU Delhi in-charge, Bhagwan Singh Kushwaha, has stated that the party wants to contest 4 seats in Delhi. What is your perspective on this?
A: What Bhagwan Singh Khushwaha said is absolutely true. Our base in Delhi has significantly strengthened and expanded over time. Given this growth, it is only fair to discuss a respectable share of seats. As our support has increased beyond what it was before, a more favorable seatsharing arrangement aligns with our position. We will continue to present our views to the BJP’s central leadership regarding our stance. However, we are confident that our alliance will remain strong and we can achieve better results together. Proportionately, this could lead to a stronger partnership, and we should aim for a larger share.
Q: There is a belief that JDU has struggled to perform outside Bihar. How would you respond to this opinion?
A: The party’s organizational expansion has been ongoing for a long time. We’ve secured victories in several states, and even in smaller assemblies like Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, we had a strong presence. Our past performance in Jharkhand has also been notable, and since it was once part of undivided Bihar, the party has consistently worked there. There’s a general political consensus that we should contest together in both Jharkhand and Delhi. The exact number of seats will be determined after mutual discussions, and once finalized, we will share the details. We’ve previously contested in many states across the country, including Gujarat, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh, so while no official decision has been made yet, it will be announced in due course.
Q: How do you view the appointment of Atishi Singh as the new Chief Minister of Delhi?
A: Atishi is merely a figurehead Chief Minister, and her actions have caused significant disappointment among Delhi’s voters. AAP was once seen as a model for alternative politics, with Arvind Kejriwal emphasizing anti-corruption as the core of their movement. However, the way the party and its leaders have become mired in corruption, sinking deeper into it. Instead of addressing the governance issues of Delhi’s people, their tenure will be remembered for court cases and exacerbating the people’s problems with a makeshift government. This situation sends a message of instability rather than continuity, which is damaging. Even Atishi herself has said that if AAP wins, Arvind Kejriwal will return as Chief Minister, which will be an insult to the people’s sentiments and won’t be taken well by voters. It sends the message of a puppet government, controlled from behind the scenes. Whether you call it a puppet or wooden sandal government, once the elected legislators choose a leader, a new government will be formed. Atishi appears as a powerless Chief Minister, and the people will need to decide if they want a stable government that can truly transform Delhi. Only a government supported by the Indian government can offer the stability and solutions Delhi needs.
Q: There is speculation that the NDA might project a female Chief Ministerial candidate in Delhi. What is your take on this possibility?
A: A group of influential leaders will decide whether they will contest with a clear leadership face or without one. However, what’s evident is that the two key questions revolve around the tenure of Narendra Modi and the results of his leadership, which clearly demonstrate that the country has benefited from remarkable and charismatic governance. If a similar coalition government is formed in Delhi, it will greatly benefit the people, just as we’ve seen in a state like Haryana. There’s no doubt that the people of Delhi are in favor of alliance governments at both the central and state levels.
Q: Bihar is also heading for elections next year. What are your preparations for the upcoming polls?
A: We don’t start preparing for elections only when they are announced. Our efforts are ongoing, 24/7, continuously. Under the leadership of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, numerous youth welfare programs have been implemented, which have transformed the face of Bihar and become a model for inclusive development. Bihar has once again recorded a GSDP growth rate of 14.47%. Over the past 19 years, there have been around 14 to 15 instances where we achieved double-digit GDP growth. There has also been a significant improvement in per capita income, and people’s lives have changed for the better. Large-scale infrastructure projects like bridges, roads, electricity, and employment opportunities have been developed, attracting considerable interest from industrialists. Investments are pouring in, and Bihar is reaping the benefits of these efforts. This success is a winning formula, and there’s no reason to change what is working well.
Q: Recently, RJD criticized Nitish Kumar for switching parties. How would you react to these accusations?
A: It’s difficult for him to accept that aligning with Nitish Kumar gave him the opportunity to come to power. It’s undeniable that in the past two decades, whichever party Nitish Kumar has led has enjoyed public support. People are well aware of this. Nitish Kumar has consistently rejected the notion that without his alliance, their chances of returning to power are nearly impossible. Without his support, they could end up in a position similar to 2010 when they were reduced to just 22 seats. Nitish Kumar’s backing is crucial, and without it, they risk political destruction. As he finds himself torn between these two realities, it’s no surprise he makes such remarks.
Q: Will the NDA contest the upcoming Delhi polls with a Chief Ministerial candidate?
A: At this point, it would be premature to make any statements, as doing so would come across as arrogant. The party should make such decisions and policies after thorough consideration, and once a decision is made, you will be informed accordingly.
