A 'Vigyan Path' dedicated to scientists, makeover of Aminabad and Bhootnath markets, advanced healthcare and education facilities, besides more job opportunities for youths will be ensured for Lucknow if Rajnath Singh gets a third term, promises, Neeraj Singh, his son and BJP functionary. Mohita Tewari catches up with the young leader as he campaigns for his father.
Excerpts
What changes Lucknow can look forward to if Rajnath Singh gets his third term from here?
Every inch of Lucknow will witness development if my father is re-elected as the city’s MP for the third time. Besides renovation and makeover of old and popular markets like Aminabad & Bhootnath, the city will have ‘Vigyan Path’ (dedicated to scientists) on the lines of Kisan Path (dedicated to farmers) and Shaheed Path (dedicated to soldiers). We also plan to bring in advanced health and education facilities, water, and sanitation facilities. Soon, Lucknow will be a place where people from all over the country will come for jobs.
BJP says Rajnath will win by a margin of 5 lakh votes. What gives the party this confidence?
When Shaheed Path was being constructed, everyone said it was outside the city, but now international stadium, police headquarters and other facilities have come up along it. Imagine what kind of transformation and development a 105-km Ring Road will bring to the city once it is completed. Likewise, the city just had one main railway station in Charbagh.
But now, like Delhi, it has several railway stations and also terminal 3. We just don’t promise, we deliver. As a result, projects worth Rs 50,000 came up in Lucknow. Apart from all the work, he has been in politics for the last 50 years and holds a clean image. He has never given a single statement that hurts the sentiments of any individual, community or others. On the ‘karmabhoomi’ of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee, he is working hard to fulfil his dreams and vision.
The opposition alleges that Rajnath has not been in touch or is connected directly with people of Lucknow after he was elected MP. Your take.
The kind of development he has done can be carried out only by a person who is directly connected to people and is aware of the problems they face.
Even after holding a national portfolio, he visits the city more often, for his love for the city. “Jo log hawai chappal pehente they, wo aaj hawai yatra kar rahe hain (Those who wear slippers are travelling by air today). Such is the development of the city. Daily, around 56 lakh people come to Lucknow by air but with terminal 3 coming up, over one crore people will be in the city which will make Lucknow a global city
How many seats in the country and in Uttar Pradesh will the BJP win?
We are confident of winning over 400 Lok Sabha seats in the country, and all 80 seats in UP. In Lucknow, we will win by a margin of more than 5 lakh votes.
Weather has led to a dip in turnout. Will people come out for Rajnath on May 20?
With the kind of love and bonding that the present MP has with people, I am confident that Lucknow will witness a good voting percentage. I appeal to people to come out and vote.
English (US) ·