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Lok Sabha Elections 2019: Girish Bapat, guardian of BJP-Sena alliance ready to contest Pune, with eyes on Delhi
Aspiring for a Lok Sabha ticket, Bapat has begun preparations by holding a series of meetings with different sections of the society
Girish Bapat, Pune guardian minister and a front runner from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the Pune Lok Sabha ticket, said that after working in the city for four decades, he is now inclined to work in Delhi. Aspiring for a Lok Sabha ticket, Bapat has begun preparations by holding a series of meetings with different sections of the society. In an interview with Yogesh Joshi, Bapat said that if given a chance he will contest the Lok Sabha polls. Excerpts.
You have been distributing a report card that shows your achievements in the past four years. Is this a part of your preparations for the Lok Sabha polls?
I have been distributing a report card for many years. I believe that as representatives, we are answerable to the public. This time my ambit of work was extended as a cabinet minister. I am also a district guardian minister. To spread information about work done, I have published this report card.
What about your candidature?
Elections have been announced and parties are releasing lists. As far as a ticket is concerned, the BJP leadership is capable of putting up the right candidate in Pune... at the right time. No matter what the decision is, all party workers will work for the candidate to ensure her/his victory. I am confident that the BJP will win in Pune, with a greater margin than the 2014 Lok Sabha polls.
You have been a member of the legislative assembly (MLA) for five terms. Would you now like to work in Delhi?
I have been in service for 40 years. If given a chance, I would surely like to work in Delhi.
Why are you keen to work in Delhi. What are the other challenges do you want to take up?
There are multiple projects that come under Delhi. These projects include railways, airports, national highways. As a member of parliament (MP), one can coordinate better to work on these projects. If I get an opportunity, I would like to see these projects being implemented in Pune.
As district guardian minister, there has been some responsibility on your shoulders for Pune’s four constituencies. Does the BJP have any special plans for Baramati?
We are confident about bringing change in Baramati. The BJP would come out with a separate plan for the Baramati seat. Our candidate would fight the Baramati battle on the party symbol (lotus). I am confident that the BJP will win all four seats.
You are also coordinator to ensure a smooth campaign for the BJP- Shiv Sena alliance. What steps are being taken?
I am an old party worker and leaders from both the parties know me well. There have been many issues between the party workers, but our main goal is to come back to power and we will try our best to keep our differences aside, if any, and work together.
In Maval, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has fielded Sharad Pawar’s grandnephew, Parth. However, not everything seems to be right for the BJP-Sena. BJP MLA Laxman Jagtap was missing at a meeting called by the alliance.
Only one leader was missing at the meeting held on March 20. In fact BJP MLA, Laxman Jagtap, had informed me about his absence. All other leaders were present. We are confident of winning Maval.
