WE SHOULD FOLLOW THE PATH OF BABA SAHAB AMBEDKAR TO ACHIEVE THE OBJECTIVE OF SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC EQUALITY-GOEL

In a function organized by the Delhi Pradesh SC Morcha at the BJP Delhi Headquarters today, BJP Delhi Pradesh President Shri Vijay Goel paid floral tributes to the Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar on his 58th Mahaparinirvan Diwas. On this occasion, he said that the challenge of completing the work of social justice started by Baba Sahab is still a challenge before the society. Shri Goel said that until the objective of social justice is not achieved, political, economic justice cannot be realized.

He appealed to the workers that they should follow the path shown by Baba Sahab Ambedkar and achieve social and economic equality. 

Shri Goel accused the Congress Government of neglecting Baba Sahab and always insulting him. Congress Party was never serious about achieving the objective of equality and welfare mentioned in the Indian Constitution framed by Dr. Ambedkar. Pradesh President also called upon the dalit community to come forward and work for the empowerment of the community. Pradesh SC Morcha President Shri Krishan Lal Dhilod presided over the program. BJP Chief Ministerial Candidate Dr. Harsh Vardhan and other Pradesh leaders were also present on this occasion.    

BJP is against power tariff hike, will reduce it by 30%: Goel

Delhi BJP President Shri Vijay Goel today slammed the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) for initiating the process to hike power tariff in collusion with the power discoms. He said that there is no need to raise power tariff as the BJP is convinced that power tariff in Delhi can easily be slashed by 30%, which it will do when elected after the polls.

Shri Goel said, “The DERC is working in a doubtful manner to hike power tariff in Delhi. The consultants have been appointed and advertisement has been given for the purpose. The BJP strongly condemns this attempt to hike power tariff. The party is committed to reduction of power tariff by 30%, if elected.”

“The BJP has been raising the issue of transparency in tariff setting by the DERC and also the process of tariff determination which has been marred by various controversies. The fact that the Consultants appointed by the DERC were also either Statutory Auditors or were working for one or the other DISCOM constitutes a breach of trust on the part of the DERC. There is clear conflict of interests on part of the consultants,” Shri Goel said.

Shri Goel further said, “The DERC seems to be in a hurry to hike power tariff while the election is around the corner. Whatever policy decision is to be taken regarding revision of power tariff should be taken by the new government. But, the DERC’s action reflects collusion between the regulator, which seems to be acting at the behest of the Congress government and the private discoms.”

The BJP had raised the issue about 8 months ago, when Shri Vijay Goel along with Member of State Advisory Committee of DERC Shri Anil Sood and other experts met the DERC Chairman on March 23, 2013. The DERC Chairman then admitted that the regulator committed mistake in the appointment of the consultants and assured the delegation to rectify the mistake soon.

But, the advertisement released by the DERC on November 28, 2013 appearing in newspapers published from New Delhi shows a totally casual and careless attitude of the DERC. On one hand the DISCOMS are likely to submit the Aggregate Revenue Requirements (ARR) and on the other, it is extending the date for submission of Request for Proposal by the Consultants. This means the DERC is not at all ready to review the ARR and undertake the exercise of True-Up.

Strangely the DERC has also diluted the qualification criteria for appointment of consultants as per advertisement appearing on its web site, where the columns ‘Position in Current assignment and Rate/Day or week’ have been omitted by design to accommodate someone who did not qualify the earlier criteria set by the DERC. This raises serious concern on credibility of the DERC.

Goel files complaint with EC against malicious campaign of Congress against Shri Narendra Modi

The Delhi Bharatiya Janata Party President Shri Vijay Goel today slammed the Congress government in Delhi for its failure to stop discrimination against people from North Eastern states living in Delhi. The BJP will open “facilitation Centres”and set up a help line for the people from north eastern centres and ensure that there is no discrimination against them especially by the law enforcing agencies.

Addressing a meeting of people from north-eastern states today he said, “More than two lakh people from north- eastern states, of whom around 50% are females, live in the Capital. A large number of them are youth and they face discrimination, lack of opportunities and poor hostel facilities. The BJP will open more hostels for students and especially for working women from the north-east.”

Quoting a report 'North East Migration and Challenges in National Capital.”  Shri Goel said that according to this report 78% of the North-East population in Delhi is subject to several kinds of humiliation because of their appearance. This is a cause of grave concern.  There seems to be no visible action on the ground by Congress government to deal with this situation.

The BJP will ensure that there is a quick response mechanism to deal with any complaint filed by people from the north-eastern states. Law enforcing agencies will be sensitised too. “It doesn’t reflect well on the capital of the country if we can’t make our fellow citizens from north-eastern states safe in the capital.”

BJP’s complaint to EC  against Congress about malicious pamphlets targeting Sh. Narendra Modi

Meanwhile Shri Vijay Goel today filed a complaint against Congress Party for running a malicious campaign against BJP’s prime Ministerial Candidate Shri Narendra Modi. In his complaint, Shri Goel said, “On the morning of 23 November, the BJP woekers came across pamphlets that were inserted in Newspapers all over the city carrying objectionable indirect references to BJP’s prime Ministerial Candidate Shri Narendra Modi. It may be emphasized here that Shri Modi was scheduled to addressed a public rally at Dwarka in Delhi on the evening of October 23.

A similar malicious campaign was launched on the morning of 29 September also   when illegal hoardings and full page pamphlets were distributed along with newspapers.

We clearly suspect that this malicious campaign making personal attacks is being carried by Congress Party. This, clearly, is a gross violation of the model code of conduct by Congress.” Shri Goel urged the EC to take strong action and put an end to such campaign which also violates the basic norms of democracy. He further added that the growing popularity of Shri Modi and the marginalisation of Congress in the run-up to Delhi polls has resulted in Congress making such desperate overtures which are deplorable.”

Congress’ double speak on full-statehood issue:

Shri Vijay Goel lambasted the Congress Chief Minister Smt. Sheila Dikshit for her double speak on “full statehood” issue. The CM  made it clear by talking about “single command” yesterday that it is not in favour of full statehood for Delhi but the BJP rejects completely as it is in favour of no less than ‘full statehood” for Delhi, said Shri Goel.

“It is a classic case of Congress’ doublespeak where it says one things in manifesto while its leaders take an opposite stand. This clearly shows that Congress is not at all sincere about getting Delhi full statehood.” The 15 year rule of Congress witnessed not even a single serious move by the Congress government in Delhi or the Congress led UPA government at Centre to grant full statehood for Delhi. When BJP led NDA government tried to give full statehood to Delhi through a bill in 2003, the Congress government in Delhi had opposed it, said Shri Goel.

Local manifesto reflects issues and aspirations of local residents: Vijay Goel

• BJP releases its first local manifesto for Model Town constituency
• Local manifesto reflects issues and aspirations of local residents: Vijay Goel
• Manifesto for Model Town will be implemented in time-bound manner: Ashok Goel

The Delhi BJP today released its first local manifesto for the Delhi Assembly polls for Model Town constituency. It was released by Delhi BJP President Shri Vijay Goel and party’s Chief Ministerial candidate Dr. Harsh Vardhan at the Delhi BJP headquarters at Pt Pant Marg. Delhi BJP Treasurer and party’s candidate from Model Town constituency, Shri Ashok Goel was present at the release of the manifesto.

Speaking on the occasion Shri Vijay Goel said, “BJP is releasing local manifestos for assembly constituencies to fix constituency specific accountability. People want local area development programmes and local manifestos spell out such specific programmes. Local manifesto for Model Town addresses the issues concerning the people of the constituency and BJP’s promise to address these issues. Similar manifestos, prepared by respective party candidates for other assembly segments will be released in days to come.”

Shri Vijay Goel further said, “The BJP will release its state level manifesto in next couple of days. The state level manifesto has its limitations as it cannot address the specific concerns of all the assembly constituencies. It will reflect the common concerns of all the constituencies and the BJP’s positive agenda to address those concerns to bring Delhi on the path of all round progress.”

BJP candidate from Model Town, Shri Ashok Goel said, “The local manifesto for Model Town has been prepared after extensive parleys held over a series of meetings with the people of the constituency. The inputs from RWAs, traders’ associations and civil societies have been incorporated into the manifesto. This is an output of the collective will of all the communities living in Model Town.”

Shri Ashok Goel further said, “All the promises made in the manifesto will be fulfilled in a time-bound manner. Specific programmes will be implemented in fully transparent manner. All the localities of Model Town will be transformed over the next five years.”

Goel raises “Five Questions” on price rise, Challenges Chief Minister to come up with answers

• Goel raises “Five Questions” on  price rise, Challenges Chief Minister to come up with answers
• Most vegetables out of reach of common people as insensitive Congress government suffers from Policy paralysis : Goel

The Delhi BJP President Shri Vijay Goel today  lambasted the Congress government for lack of resolve in controlling the spiraling prices  of essential commodities especially vegetables. 

Shri Goel said, “The skyrocketing prices of potatoes, tomatoes and onions are all approaching Rs 100 Kg each. They are even costlier that petrol or diesel now.   With the food inflation already hovering at 18% to 19%, and now the prices of vegetables shooting up, the common people are founding this burden unbearable now.”

The prices of vegetables continue to shoot up and they have gone beyond the reach of middle and low income groups.  But the Congress government seems to be sleeping on this issue. The statements by various Congress ministers are turning out to be hollow promises. For many months now, the Congress government has been assuring Delhi residents that the prices will be brought under control soon but the ground realties speak otherwise.

“What we are witnessing today is complete policy paralysis at all levels. Add to that the insensitivity of Congress Chief Minister and ministers and other leaders. The result is that common people are suffering immensely.”

In  context of the inflation issue, Shri Goel  raised following five questions today seeking anwer from Congress government

1.       Why Congress government is  not stopping export of onions?

2.       Why the  Delhi government did not respond to NAFED’s repeated requests of arranging supply of onions for Delhi through  imports well in advance?

3.        Why  the food and civil supplies minister Haroon Yusuf is not being sacked for complete failure to control prices and ensure enough supplies?

4.       What action has been initiated against those government officials who are  responsible for monitoring prices and doing crisis management on price front  ?

5.       Why such poor quality onion which is not fit for human consumption is often provided through government run outlets?

Congress govt. forced devotees to brave health risk to celebrate Chhath in dirty Yamuna: Goel

•    Congress govt. forced devotees to brave health risk to celebrate Chhath in dirty Yamuna: Goel
•    BJP will do in 15 months, what Congress did not in 15 years in cleaning Yamuna: Goel
•    Goel takes part in Chhath Puja, reiterates declaring it as public holiday, when BJP is elected to power

 New Delhi, November, 8:   Delhi BJP President Shri Vijay Goel today slammed the Congress government for compelling people of Purvanchal to celebrate Chhath Puja in dirty and extremely polluted Yamuna. He said that people braved the grave health risk in celebrating Chhath Puja due to neglect of the Congress government. Shri Goel took part in the Chhath Puja at ITO ghat of Yamuna.

Shri Goel said, “Lakhs of people throng to Yamuna ghats every year to celebrate Chhath Puja. This does not come uninformed, but the Congress government has always been found lacking in efforts. The government’s neglect has turned Yamuna into a dirty drain and people are forced to take grave health risk to celebrate Chhath Puja when they offer Arghya to sun god for their well being.”

Shri Goel said, “The neglect of Yamuna and proper maintenance of the ghats even during Chhath Puja betrays the inherent bias of the Congress government against the Purvanchali people. Several ministers of the government including the Chief Minister have openly blamed the Purvanchali people to hide their own failures for rising crimes in Delhi.”

“Every year devotees gather at the India Gate for Chhath Puja but it was shocking to see that the authorities prevented people from gathering at the venue this year,” Sh. Goel said.

Shri Goel further said, “The Congress government has neglected Purvanchalis and their cultural identity. Now, by asking some of the leaders to pay lip service regarding concerns of the Purvanchali people, the Congress stands exposed. The BJP will declare Chhath Puja a public holiday, when elected to power.”

Expressing his concern over state of Yamuna, Shri Goel said, “The government has spent more than Rs 2000 crore in the name of Yamuna cleaning but the river has only become unfit even for public activities. When elected to power, the BJP will do in 15 months what the Congress has not done in 15 years. Yamuna cleaning will take effect on the ground as soon as the BJP comes to power.”

In an affidavit to SC in October, 2012, Delhi Jal Board said that approximately Rs. 2072 crore has been spent by the Delhi government and Delhi Jal Board towards controlling and preventing the pollution of river Yamuna. By now, the Yamuna's polluted and black water should have been sparkling clean, as clean as the river's water is at its source. Instead, the 22-km stretch of the river in Delhi has become more polluted. The Congress government has failed to build a separate sewage flow and treatment apparatus.

Statement of Dr. Subramanian Swamy, Former Union Cabinet Minister

1.As an anti-corruption activist and on behalf of the Delhi Pradesh BJP I am addressing this Press Conference to enthusiastically support the cleanest and most experienced candidate for the CM of Delhi, Mr. Harshvardan, the former State Minister of Health.

2.The Congress Party which is presently wallowing in cesspool of corruption is shocked by his unanimous choice for CM candidate.

3.Lacking necessary credentials to counter with a corruption free name, the Congress high command seems to have entered into an unholy agreement with the AAM AADMI Party [AAP} Chief Mr. Arvind Kejriwal to do its work for countering Mr. Harshvardan’s impeccable credentials during the electioneering after the date of scrutiny of nominations.

4.But Mr. Kejriwal’s moment of truth is at hand. He represents a motley crowd of anti-nationals, sleazeballs, and financial manipulators.

5.This crowd is attracted by AAP as yet camouflaged ideology. It therefore attracts anti-nationals such as those who want to hand over Kashmir to Pakistan, espouse the cause of Maoists and Naxalites, and pander to rabid Muslim fundamentalists such as Maulana Tauqir Raza who had announced a Rs 5 lakh cash prize to anyone who would behead a defenceless woman called Taslima Nasreen, not to mention Rs 1 crore for assassinating the US President George Bush.

6.Mr. Kejriwal claim to fight corruption is limited to addressing press conferences. This is called the shoot and scoot strategy. In the Vadra case all the material he presented were already in the publicly domain. But in his press conference re-disclosing the same he specifically said that he found no wrong doing by either Ms. Sonia Gandhi or Priyanka Vadra. That is Vadra is an independent power centre, which is laughable.

7.Mr. Kejriwal has failed to answer the allegations of financial donations from the very sources which he condemns. These allegations that have been published for example in Mail Today of November 4, 2010 and recently in Economic Times require for the sake of transparency in public life to be fully answered by him.

8.It is apparent that the AAP has no presence of experienced workers at the booth level. Hence the party will find it difficult to open its account in the Assembly elections. The Congress Party which has emerged as a defacto patron of the AAP is habituated to ditching allies when convenient politically, and that is what we will witness four days before the polling date.

9.Hence, I urge all those who want a clean Delhi Administration to back Mr. Harshvardan and give the BJP a sizeable majority in the new Assembly

CONGRESS HAS ADMITTED DEFEAT EVEN BEFORE THE BATTLE – DR. HARSH VARDHAN

Dr. Harsh Vardhan has said that panicked by the forecast of BJP leading in all the pre-poll surveys and by demanding to ban all such surveys, Congress has admitted its defeat even before the battle starts. Congress party has given walk over to the BJP. He has demanded the President of India that he should completely dismiss the demand for ban on surveys by the Election Commission and protect freedom of expression.

He told that in all the democratic countries of the world pre-poll surveys are allowed.  Various organizations and media get surveys done and broadcast to the people.  When the survey was in favor of the Congress, the Ministers and Congress leaders were claiming of big victories.  After the declaration of Narendra Modi as the Prime Ministerial candidate of the BJP atmosphere has changed of the country. There is Modi wave in the country and abroad. Rahul Gandhi looks like a pigmy before him.  Congress is afraid that Rahul Gandhi may not complete his campaign. Hence all the Congress leaders besides Mrs. Sonia Gandhi are restless.  

Dr. Harsh Vardhan told that after his declaration as the BJP’s Chief Ministerial candidate there is wave of elation, hope and confidence in entire Delhi.  The mob of admirers assembling at his residence early in the morning indicates this. Such assembly of admirers continues till late hours.  All the media surveys indicate that the Congress Party lags behind the BJP in the Assembly Elections. Here the main contest is between BJP and Congress.  

The people of Delhi could not get any relief from price rise even on the occasion of the Deepawali. The reason is that Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and all the Congress Ministers and Legislators know that they are going to lose. Hence the Congressmen are indulging in corrupt activities.  They believe in earning as much as they can before their are good bye. This Government is not concerned about the people. There is nothing like Government in Delhi at present.

Goel slams Delhi CM for refusing to give commitment to Lokayukta to uphold rule of law

• Goel slams Delhi CM for refusing to give commitment to Lokayukta to uphold rule of law
• Congress is striving to weaken institution of Lokayukta: Goel

Delhi BJP President Shri Vijay Goel today slammed the Delhi Chief Minister for weakening the institution of Lokayukta. He said that the Delhi Chief Minister’s decision to not to give any commitment to the Lokayukta on defacing public property and misuse of public spaces betrays Congress’ absence of respect for the institution.

Shri Goel said, “The Chief Minister’s defiance of the Delhi Lokayukta’s directive comes naturally to her as she has deliberately strived over the years to weaken the institution that fights corruption. It is ironical that the CM is not willing to give a commitment to honour the Delhi Prevention of Defacement of Property Act, 2007 enacted by her own government.”

“It is the duty of the government to uphold the rule of law. How can a chief minister run away from taking responsibility to uphold the rule of law,” asked Shri Goel.

Shri Goel further said, “It seems to be an intrinsic character of the Congress to worke against the institutions that work for probity in public life. Similar thing is happening in Uttarakhand, where the Congress party is opposing the Lokayukta Act passed the previous BJP government. This is an attempt to perpetuate corruption.”

The Delhi Lokayukta had asked the Delhi Chief Minister and Delhi Transport Minister to give a commitment through an affidavit that they would not misuse public spaces and ask the party workers not to deface public property with posters, hoardings and banners. But, the Delhi CM has not given any such commitment. She has refused to take any responsibility in this regard.

The incumbent Lokayukta’s tenure ends today and the new Lokayukta can only be appointed by the new government after the polls. Under such circumstances, the Delhi Chief Minister’s refusal to give any commitment to uphold the rule of law shows the Congress’ arbitrariness in dealing with the anti-corruption watchdog.

The Uttarakhand Lokayukta Act has received Presidential assent, but the ruling Congress party is still opposing the Act. This proves that Congress has no intention to fight corruption anywhere in the country. It would be interesting to mention that the Congress is opposing the Uttarakhand Lokayukta Act on the fictitious grounds of unconstitutionality even though the President of India gave his assent to the Act after due consideration of nearly two years.

Four lakh first time voters to vote in favour of BJP - Dr. Harsh Vardhan

About 4 lakh youth who have completed 18 years of age and become voters for the first time shall vote in favor of BJP. This has been revealed after door to door contact programme by the party.

Giving this information, the Chief Ministerial candidate of BJP Dr. Harsh Vardhan told that the youth of Delhi are serious about voting and their thinking is development oriented. BJP has found that these people certainly exercise their right of voting.  They know that the Congress is going to be defeated in the next elections. BJP is directly fighting the Congress Party. This fact has come to light after many surveys by the media.

So far 3.76 lakh youth have applied to the Election Commission to be made voters in Delhi.  The number of youth voters is largest in Kirari, Burari, New Delhi, Shalimar Bagh, Rohini, Rithala, Trilokpuri, Patparganj, Karawal Nagar, Sangam Vihar, Delhi Cantt., Sadar Bazar etc ACs. Many people among them have applied online to be made voters.  By tomorrow four lakh youth shall be registered as new voters.

At present 11 lakh youth are unemployed in Delhi. After coming to power, BJP will provide opportunities of employment /self employment so that 22 lakh hands may get right to work and Delhi may shine. BJP will also create employment opportunities for youth, women, young women, housewives. Seats in school and colleges will also be increased. New colleges and schools shall be opened so that all get opportunity of education.  BJP is committed to make Delhi a fully literate state.

Dr. Harsh Vardhan told that the youth above the age of 18 years have raised their voice against the corruption by the Congress.  They are also suffering due to the price spiral affecting their household. The income of the people is stagnant for the last 10 years but the prices of the articles of daily use have increased 50 to 100 times. It has become difficult for the parents to pay the fees of their children. This has adversely affected the thinking of the youth. They are stressed. Hence, the youth have resolved to bring BJP Government in Delhi and end the Congress misrule. 

BJP WILL FORM SEPARATE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF UNAUTHORISED COLONIES & VILLAGES - DR. HARSH VARDHAN

Dr. Harsh Vardhan has said that after coming to power in Delhi, BJP will form a separate Development Authority on the lines of DDA for all round development of the unauthorized colonies and the rural areas. This will drastically change the system of providing facilities like education, health, roads, transport, sewerage, power and water, other basic amenities, housing, employment and increasing income of every family.  

There are 1639 unauthorized colonies in Delhi and 400 urban and rural villages. The condition in these villages is worse than the villages of other most backward states. It is surprising that even after 66 years of independence, 40 percent people of Delhi are not supplied drinking water by the Government.  Power load shedding is common in unauthorized colonies and villages and the quality of supply is of very low grade.  Congress is the ruling party for the 15 years in Delhi but it has done nothing for the betterment of these colonies and villages.  People feel to have been cheated.  

He accused that the Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit did not try to solve the problems of 40 lakh people of unauthorized colonies, urban and rural villages and migrants living in Delhi during the last 15 years. On the occasion of every election she made false promises to lakhs of people and left them in lurch. In spite of the announcement by Delhi Government the registry of the properties has not been started in unauthorized colonies.  Prices of land is sky rocketing. The dream of the poor man to have a house has remained unfulfilled.

BJP wants that there should be all round development of Delhi so that the rays of development reach every family. BJP is also committed for the empowerment of women and youth. Lakhs of youth are unemployed in Delhi. Lakhs of posts are vacant under the Government but it is not making appointments because the Congress is busy in the loot of public money and fueling price rise.

BJP will declare public holiday on Chhath Puja : Goel

• Goel writes to LG, Mayors on arrangements for Chhath Puja,
• BJP will declare public holiday on Chhath Puja : Goel
• Govt. must ensure safety at ghats, special transport facilities and safety of women : Goel
• Goel urges party workers to participate and help as volunteers in Chhath Puja celebrations

  

Delhi BJP President Shri Vijay Goel has asked the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi to ensure proper arrangements for Chhath Puja in the city.  He also reiterated that the BJP will declare the Chhath Puja a public holiday when it comes to power in Delhi.

In a letter to the LG, he expressed concern that the Delhi government seems to be not actively making sufficient arrangements for the festival which witnesses participation of lakhs of people especially purvanchalis. He urged the party cadres to participate in large numbers in the festival and provide all the help that is required for smooth conduct of this festival.

Shri Goel said, “Delhi recently witnessed a tragic episode during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, when many lives were lost in Yamuna due to absence of proper safety measures. The government must ensure that a tragedy like Ganesh Chaturthi incident is not repeated as lakhs of devotees throng Yamuna ghats during the festival.”

“Safety at the ghats, deployment of sufficient number of police personnel, life saving guards, ambulances, transport facilities and traffic management and measures for safety of women should be adequately taken care of on priority by the government. Devotees, pilgrims and common people visiting the Chhath Puja ghats should not be left in the lurch,” Shri Goel said.

Shri Goel further said, “The BJP will deploy large number of party workers as volunteers at all the Chhath Puja ghats along Yamuna, canals and other water bodies in all the districts of Delhi.”

The matter relating to arrangements for Chhath Puja was discussed at a high level meeting of the state office bearers of Delhi BJP. The party leaders felt that due to lackadaisical approach of the Congress government, devotees and common people face lots of problems during such big festivals.

In his letter to the Lieutenant Governor Sh. Goel said that special arrangements should be made to ensure safety of women at the Chhath Puja ghats and along the roads leading to the worship sites. He also said that the administration should take measures for crowd management at the Chhath Puja ghats.

Shri Goel has also directed the Mayors of the three BJP-ruled municipal corporations urging them to make take appropriate measures to ensure that Chhath Puja is celebrated with traditional fervour by the people of Delhi. He asked them to take all measures to provide all the possible facilities to the devotees and common people celebrating Chhath Puja in parks, make-shift ponds and other water bodies in areas under the three municipal corporations. The areas under jurisdiction of the MCDs should be cleaned and sanitized, with proper lime powder markings, he said.

Election Commission going soft on poll guidelines violations by Congress : Goel

• Delhi BJP opposes move to rename Targeted Public Distribution Scheme as Indiraamma Anna Yojana
• Goel lambasts union Food Minister, Congress CM and Ministers for unabated  misuse of  official machinery
• Election Commission going soft on poll guidelines violations by Congress : Goel

The  Delhi Bharatiya Janata Party President Shri Vijay Goel today  lambasted the Congress led UPA government for mooting a proposal to rename the existing Targeted Public Distribution System as Indiraamma Anna Yojana Shri Goel said this is a blatant attempt by Congress to get political mileage from national resources and the BJP will oppose any such move. The BJP will not allow Congress to hijack the national resources for petty political gains.

The Union food minister K.V. Thomas have recently said on record that there is a proposal to rename the existing Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) and the government is considering renaming it as Indiramma Anna Yojana.

Shri Goel said, “Right now no new announcements regarding renaming of the scheme after a particular political leader belonging to any political party can be made, yet the Congress leaders are attempting to violate these norms. The Election Commission should take note of this and take strict action against the Union Food Minister for going public with such comments.”

The Union Food Minister’s statement, at a time when election code of conduct is in force, is against the spirit of democratic norms and the Congress seems to desperate to misuse its position by naming a system meant for the poor in one of its own leaders’ name.

Shri Goel said the latest step is not a standalone case. In the last few days the Congress has been blatantly misusing government resources. He expressed concern that the Election Commission is adopting a very lenient approach when it comes to violation of poll guidelines by Congress leaders.”

“We are concerned that the Election Commission seems to be quite soft on poll guidelines violations by Congress. We demand strict  and immediate action  in such instances,” said Shri Goel.

“The BJP had recently pointed out the printing of photographs of CM and Power Minister on thousands of BSES bills. After that the BSES, which has 49% stake of Delhi government, accepted this was violation of poll guidelines yet it has been let off the hook with no action taken against anyone.

The Election Commission should penalize all those who were involved in violation of these norms by BSES. There is no action visible on the ground. The BJP will take up this matter further as it wants strict action against those who are working hand in glove with Congress government for misuse of official machinery, said Shri Goel.

The Delhi BJP President also pointed out that the Chief Minister’s official residence is being used for political press conferences. “We would like to know why no action is being taken by the Election Commission to stop this misuse of official machinery. The BJP demands that the misuse of official residence of CM should be immediately stopped and action should be initiated against CM and her three ministers who are holding regular press conferences there.”

Legislators with good track record to be repeated, representation will be given to all sections of society : Goel

• Delhi BJP to announce names of party candidates for assembly polls after Diwali
• Legislators with good track record to be repeated, representation will be given to all sections of society : Goel

The Delhi BJP President Shri Vijay Goel today said that the party tickets for the Delhi Assembly polls will be announced after Diwali. "The sitting MLAs having a good track record will be repeated. The party will give representation to all sections of society in ticket distribution," said Shri Goel

Laying out the criteria for the selection of candidates for the assembly polls, Shri Goel said, "Good work at grassroots level, clean image, commitment to the party and ability to win are some of the main criteria for selection. The party is confident of winning two thirds majority in Delhi," said Shri Goel.

The party is fully geared up for the assembly polls.  The BJP undertook out ‘Ghar Ghar BJP’ mass contact programme, which received phenomenal success recently. The party has formulated            32 member teams at each of 11,763 polling booths. Karyakarta Sammelans have already been held in 280 mandals across the city. All 14 district units and 280 mandals  are  continuously engaged in the mass contact programmes through door to door campaigning, public meetings, interactions with RWAs etc. They have been provided with publicity material for sharing party’s vision for development and progress of Delhi.

He further added, "BJP is committed to the well-being of people and providing corruption-free development in Delhi. BJP’s commitment to clean and efficient governance will be reflected in the final list of the candidates for the assembly polls."

The party is working unitedly with the aim of ending the 15-year misrule of the Congress party, which carried out a series of scams resulting in an overall deterioration of Delhi. The BJP will provide corruption-free development in Delhi when it forms the government after the assembly polls, said Shri Goel.

There is a groundswell of support for the BJP and the people of Delhi are fed up with the mismanagement of Delhi under the Congress government. Rising prices, high water and power tariff, lack of safety for women and neglect of education, health, sanitation and transport have been the hallmark of Congress regime in the last 15 years. People of Delhi are aspiring for a change and freedom from Congress’s misrule.

THE CONDITION IN SHEILA DIKSHIT’S CONNAUGHT PLACE, BALMIKI BASTIS, SLUMS IS PATHETIC EVEN TODAY - DR. HARSH VARDHAN

BJP’s Chief Ministerial candidate Dr. Harsh Vardhan has accused the Chief Minister of Delhi of misleading the people and issuing false statement and said that addressing the Congressmen yesterday the Chief Minister had told in Badarpur that her Government has changed the face of Delhi. This is completely false claim because Smt. Sheila Dikshit is the Chief Minister of Delhi for the last 15 years but the condition of Connaught Place in her Assembly Constituency is just like the condition of a remote village, what to talk of rest of Delhi. During the Commonwealth Games renovation work was started in Connaught Place but even today it is full of pot holes.  Many people have fallen in them and broken their legs.  The cost of renovation has increased hundred times. 30,000 people living in 13 slums in this area do not get the supply of drinking water and other facilities. More than 15000 families in Balmiki Bastis are living in pathetic conditions. The condition in the backyards of the MPs and Ministers is hellish. Nobody is taking care of it.  

Data show that New Delhi area is the most important area in Delhi.  Parliament House, President House, PM Residence, Ministers and MPs residence and all the important ministries of the Central Government are located in New Delhi area.  Many sensitive areas like Connaught Place, Janpath, Gole Market, Kali Badi Marg, Panchkuiya Road, Khan Market, Jor Bagh, Sujan Singh Park, Padara Road, Laxmi Bai Nagar, Kidwai Nagar, Sarojani Nagar, Safdurjang Airport etc. are in this constituency. Smt. Sheila Dikshit is being elected Legislator from this area for the last 15 years.  In spite of this she has not been able to find way to improve the hellish condition of the people living in slums in New Delhi area.  Congress had promised of better living conditions to the people of Assembly Constituency on the occasion of all the three elections held in past.  These promises were never fulfilled.  These 30 thousand people do not get the supply of drinking water and they depend on tube wells for drinking water.  The ground water of Delhi has become poisonous and hence many people have died and many have fallen seriously ill after drinking the ground drawn from the tube wells.

There are 16 Dhobi Ghats in New Delhi area. Livelihood of about 10 thousand peoples is connected with these Dhobi Ghats. During the last 15 years the condition of these Dhobi Ghats has become dangerous. People are fed up with repeated promises of Sheila Dikshit.  From the month of April 2009 to March 2012 8.85 crores rupees have been allotted to the Legislator fund of the Chief Minister.  Out of this 30.9 percent money has been spent on constructing Porta-Cabins (temporary shelter), 13.7 percent has been spent on constructing boundary walls of the residences of Ministers and MPs, 14.2 percent on the constructions of roads, 12.4 percent on the construction of stair cases and 5.3 percent on other works. Even today 1.75 crores remain unspent in the CMs Legislator’s fund.  Had this amount been spent for the J.J. Dwellers then they could have been supplied drinking water.  Since they are poor and helpless, nobody is taking care of them.

Dr. Harsh Vardhan told that the Chief Minister is the Chairperson of many committees in her AC. It is surprising that the District Grievance Redressel Committee has not been formed yet. The committee under District Development Committee is yet to be formed. CM is the Chairperson of PS level committee but she did not attend any meeting from January 2012 to January 2013. This shows that how much she is concerned about the security of New Delhi area.  B.K. Dutt colony came up in New Delhi area for the refugees after the partition of the country. This is the oldest colony but even after six decades of independence, the people in this colony have not been allowed for additional construction although the number of members of the family has increased four times.  The people of this area have to go outside to purchase articles of food and other essential items. This area lacks cheap markets where the poor people could go for shopping. Due to this they are facing great difficulties.   

Delhi heads for “Black Diwali” with rising prices hitting every family in the city: Goel

·         Delhi Govt’s hollow claims on onion crisis fail to provide respite to common people

·         Rising prices causing grave hardship to people as government fails to act: Goel

New Delhi, October, 29:  Delhi BJP President Sh. Vijay Goel today slammed the Congress government for turning this year’s Diwali into a “Black Diwali” by its failure to control skyrocketing prices. Rising prices are causing grave hardship to common people in Delhi.

With prices of onions still hovering around Rs. 85-90 per kg., and prices of other essential commodities and vegetables showing a steep hike of 200-300% recently, every family in the city is affected.

(Table given at the end of this press statement shows the skyrocketing prices.)

Sh. Goel said, “The cosmetic measures announced by the Congress government are inadequate and not benefiting anyone. Just 350 Safal outlets and 150 mobile onion vans are insufficient to cater the needs of 1.67 crore people of Delhi. Similar half-hearted steps were taken earlier as well by the Congress government. The mobile onion vans remained invisible and have brought no relief to people, and bad quality onions were sold at Safal outlets.”

Ironically, while Delhi and rest of the country are facing acute onion crisis due to total mismanagement of economy by the Congress government, onions are being continuously exported. The result is that Indian onions are available at Rs. 40-45/kg in Bangladesh while they are selling at double this price in Delhi.

Sh. Goel said, “The Congress government is misleading through false claims of low production of onions. Infact according to the National Horticultural Research & Development Foundation of the Union Agriculture Ministry, the onion production for 2013-14 is estimated to be 10-15% higher than the last year.”

Various agencies had warned the government of impending onion crisis due to gross irregularities in the supply chain. NAFED wrote letters to the Delhi government, while the Competition Commission of India had asked the Congress led UPA government at the Centre to take effective steps to correct the irregularities of supply chain.  But nothing was done.

Average Prices of essential food items in 2010 and 2013

Articles	Prices in 2010 (in Rs.)	Prices in 2013 (in Rs.)
Rice	30	50
Arhar Dal	60	90
Urad Dal	70	90
Rajma	105	120
Chana (Gram)	80	90
Atta	10-12	18-20
Milk	32	44
Sugar	33	45
Tea	175/kg	250/kg
Salt	10	20
Mustard Oil	80/L	115-120/L
Eggs	30/ dozen	60/ dozen

Fuel prices in Delhi

Fuel	2010	2013
Petrol	47.93/L	76.06 in Sept, now 72.40/L
Diesel	40.1/ L	52.54/L
CNG	21.70/Kg	45.60/Kg

Smt. Sushma Swaraj launches revised edition of A Tale of Two Drops by Dr Harsh Vardhan

Pulse polio launched by Dr Harsh Vardhan in 1994 about to take India to polio free certification by WHO

The former Health Minister of India and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Mrs Sushma Swaraj, released today the revised edition of Dr Harsh Vardhan’s 2004 book, A Tale of Two Drops (Ocean Books, New Delhi).

The original edition and its subsequent reprints detailed how the original Pulse Polio campaign in Delhi was conceived by Dr Harsh Vardhan, then the Health Minister of the new state, and carried to its logical conclusion on October 2, 1994. The following year, thanks to bipartisan support, he was able to persuade the entire health machinery of India–government and non-government – into replicating the Delhi experiment.

The new edition comes with the present position in India’s fight against polio. On January 13, there occurred in Howrah, West Bengal, the unfortunate death of a little girl from polio. As per World Health Organization’s rules, a country has got to have zero cases of polio for full three years before being eligible for polio free certification. On January 13, 2011 India is expected to join the proud community of nations which have made polio history.

India, thanks to the Pulse Polio campaign’s sensational success, has already left the group of polio endemic countries. As of today only three countries belong to this group –Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria – but India could well have been part of it had Dr Harsh Vardhan not taken the bold initiative back in 1994.

Dr Harsh Vardhan continues to be paid glowing tributes by the world community of health experts. After all, mankind’s war against polio is the second biggest public health initiative since the eradication of small pox in 1970s. India, because of its huge size and population and diversity of terrain and development status, was considered forbidden ground by WHO’s experts. This was admitted as recently as 2012 at a “Polio Summit” organized by the Government of India which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. At that event, WHO’s Assistant Director-General for Polio, Dr Bruce Aylward, had recalled how as a young official back on tour to Delhi in the early 1990s, he had been awestruck by Dr Harsh Vardhan’s commitment and energy.

Reflections

Dr Harsh Vardhan said on the occasion that when the history of polio eradication in India is written, the role of the common man, woman and child –apart from the government officials, doctors and paramedics – will be recalled glowingly.

 “I recall the Polio Senas that we had developed. They were young school children from our government schools. With great sense of pride and commitment they went about visiting homes and persuading people to bring their babies out on Pulse Polio day. Today they are men and women with their own children. I wish them the best and hope the new generation of Delhi’s children will respond with equal enthusiasm when I launch more mass movements against other problems faced by the society, etc,” Dr Harsh Vardhan said.

 “There was negativism all around, he recalled. People today say that my plans to eradicate corruption through the prevention route (using state of the art e-governance mechanisms, videography of key Govt. meetings, expanding the scope of  RTI Act, etc.) would be impossible to carry out. I recall how the same negativity was used when I conceived Pulse Polio,” he said.

 “A lot of people told me that the logistics were too awesome. But I was convinced that if there is a will there is a way. If the Election Commission and the governments can deliver ballot papers to the remotest of areas over varied terrains all over the country on a single day to enable voting, why would it be difficult to deliver polio vaccines?”

He pointed out, “Political will backed by administrative determination can overcome any problem. It is often said that Delhi Police being a central government organization does not cooperate with Delhi Government. But in the early 1990s, the then police commissioner of Delhi, Mr Kaushal, not only deployed 52,000 of his constables to make Pulse Polio possible, he also put at our disposal hundreds of Gypsy vehicles. The Home Guards and civil defence officials of Delhi also played a vital role. There were no hitches.”

“There is, above all, a common goal. Everybody, regardless of what he/she does or how he/she is placed in life, wants that goal to be achieved and would like to contribute in his or her own way. The job of a leader is to collect the diverse synergies and channelize them towards the common goal,” he pointed out.

Future Resolve

Dr Harsh Vardhan, who won highest awards from World Health Organization, Rotary Foundation, Lions International, Indian Medical Association and many other national and international organizations, said today that he would continue to work ceaselessly to eradicate preventable diseases from Delhi and India. Of all the honours bestowed upon him, he cherishes most the title “Swasthya Vardhan” given to him by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

“Health is a bipartisan subject. I call for help from my friends in the political class and all others to join us in making India’s pulse polio story the gold standard in mass immunization programmes.  In the coming days I will reveal the specific plans that I have for making Delhi’s citizens totally covered by a unique health plan which will be the envy of the whole world,” he said.