I`ve no threat from Aam Aadmi Party: Congress MLA Neeraj Basoya

In his mid-30s, MLA Neeraj Basoya represents the youthful face of Congress in Delhi. After winning last Assembly elections from Kasturba Nagar constituency in South Delhi, he seems confident of retaining his seat this time around too. In a tete-a-tete with Tarun Khanna of Zee Media Corp, he talks about his views on the upcoming elections in Delhi. Here are the excerpts from the interview: Q. What inspired you to get into politics at such a young age? Basoya: When I was a kid, I used to hear a lot about the then prime minister Rajiv Gandhi. Gradually, I began getting inclined towards his ideology. Later, I got an opportunity to contest election from Dayal Singh College, Delhi University, as a student leader. I knew something was there in me that was pulling me towards politics. I won that election and became president of the college. Thereafter, I never looked back. I became area councillor from Sewa Nagar constituency in 2002. It was during this time the Delhi wing of Indian National Congress noticed my zeal and entrusted me with Kasturba Nagar constituency. Q. How confident are you about your second consecutive term? Basoya: I’m very confident as I strongly believe that it’s the personal PR of the MLA that makes him popular in his area. My people will trust me more rather than those who are outsiders and contesting from my constituency. My people know that I’m accessible to them. In fact, many rickshawalas in my ward also have my contact number. Q. What major work have you done in your constituency? Basoya: I got a foot-over bridge constructed at Jangpura, got water pipelines laid at AV Nagar and got the sewage lines of Kotla, which were in deplorable condition for ages, changed. Besides this, new roads and sewage lines were laid in Lajpat Nagar-IV with a total cost of Rs 18 crore. In addition, there are other developments which keep happening on the behest of the residents. Q. While Aam Aadmi Party and BJP are leaving no stones unturned to win Delhi this time, do you feel threatened by them? Basoya: I’ve no threat from Aam Aadmi Party. Arvind Kejriwal as an individual cannot fight election from all the seats alone. The voters in my constituency may not connect with the candidate AAP is projecting against me. There has to be some connection between the voters and the candidate. In my constituency people know me and my work for a long time now. And, yes BJP is and has always been a strong opponent and there is no doubt about it. But, I’m all prepared to take up such challenges. Q. Recently, Congress condemned the idea of opinion polls? What is your take on it? Basoya: Why can’t we just let the voters decide on their own about the candidate they want to choose? Opinion polls somewhere influence the voters’ mindset. Moreover, there is no credibility of such polls. Out of 5000, you choose five people and want them to make a selection out of the given options. It could be good entertainment, but certainly not acceptable while such a crucial decision has to be made in a democracy. Q. Haphazard parking and encroachment have taken a toll in Lajpat Nagar, Jangpura, Kotla and many other areas in your constituency. What has been done in this regard? Basoya: Where is the space for parking? Though there are more vehicles on road today, the parking space is limited. However, solving the parking issue is my foremost priority if I win this time. I’ve plans to propose multi-level parking. Besides this, I can’t touch matters which are linked with MCD like encroachments. Nobody has complained to me about encroachment in writing till date. I can only get involved if I’ve some complaint in writing