Synonymous with Chandni Chowk in political circles, Vijay Goel says contesting from New Delhi will not make any difference
Synonymous with Chandni Chowk in political circles, Vijay Goel says contesting from New Delhi will not make any difference
"VG is very good" said former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee while handing over the charge of Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office. VG or Vijay Goel has come a long way in an illustrious political career. The three-time MP who made a hat-trick winning the polls to the 11th, 12th and 13th Lok Sabha started of as the president of the BJP's youth wing. Known as the man who banned lottery in Delhi, Goel is today one of the tallest BJP leaders in Delhi.
An alumnus of the Sriram College of Commerce, Goel is credited with showcasing and preserving the culture of the walled city as an MP from Chandni Chowk constituency. He revived distinct walled city arts pigeon flying and kite making. Goel also organised the first Chandni Chowk utsav. Along with his daughter Vidyun, Goel has collected over one lakh toys from children of affluent schools for the under privileged kids in his Toy Bank, one of the favourite projects of the BJP general secretary.
A folk and ghazal singer besides being a Tabla player, Goel talked about his political agenda, recession and Congress rival Ajay Maken in an exclusive interview to MiD DAY.
Excerpts:
How are you going to woo young voters?
The youth would support me as I am one among them. I believe that the new voter understands the true potential of a candidate, know who can deliver and who will be stand by them. I have been raising their problems ever since I was student leader. Unemployment is the biggest problem along with heavy job cuts. Nowadays millions of people are loosing their jobs because of economic meltdown, which surfaced because of the failure of the UPA government. Our web campaign is specially designed to attract the youth.
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What is your poll plank this time?
As it is a parliamentary election, the main focus is on national issues like terrorism, unemployment and price rise. The UPA government adopted a soft policy towards terrorism. Even after four months of the Mumbai attack, the government has done nothing except writing a few letters to Pakistan. Today, the youth who comprise almost half of the population of our country are reeling under unemployment. The BJP plans to create vast job opportunities in the IT and telecommunication sector. As far as rising prices are concerned leave alone those living below poverty line even the higher middle class is badly affected by the price rise during the five years of Congress rule. Among local issues traffic, parking, BRT, electricity, water and roads are there.
You've contested from different constituencies, how does it affect your chances?
Wherever I go, I win. I am no outsider to the New Delhi constituency. A large part of my Sadar constituency is now a part of New Delhi. Otherwise too, I live in Bengali Market. I let my work do the most of talking for me. I am not a politician who functions from air-conditioned rooms. I am the most accessible leader in Delhi. I am available to my voters 24X7.
Blogging is fast becoming a popular campaign tool. Do you also plan to write a blog?
I do not blog but I am going to launch my website soon where people can visit and access to the agenda I have for them.
How do you relax?
I work 24X7 mostly. I can only fall asleep after the people of Delhi go to their bed peacefully.
Being a Tabla player yourself, what kind of music do you enjoy?
I love Sufi music. I also enjoy Bollywood oldies. Nowadays, I also listen to English songs along with my children. I also watch movies occasionally.
What about food?
I prefer simple food. I am a pure vegetarian. I like paratha. I also eat pasta.
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