BJP always ready for elections, says new chief Malhotra

New Delhi: Delhi BJP president Harsh Malhotra, a day after taking charge of the state party unit, said BJP workers are like students who study throughout the year, not just during exams, which is why the party performs well in elections.When asked about the MCD polls, possibly his biggest upcoming challenge after becoming state party president, he said: “We are always ready for elections because our party cadre works throughout the year.”The MCD elections are due next year.He said the party’s new state team would be ready in the next two months. Vacant posts in district-level units would be addressed on priority. New district teams would be formed within the next 15-20 days, while the reorganisation of the state unit and appointment of office-bearers would be completed in two months. He indicated that active workers would be given preference.The BJP had lost control of MCD in the last full civic elections in Dec 2022, when AAP unseated it. However, over the last couple of years, several councillors defected, and the BJP currently has its mayor in MCD.When asked how he would coordinate with Delhi govt, considering most of his predecessors led the state unit when the party was in opposition, he said coordination had been smooth so far. “It has been over a year and the state unit has been working in coordination with govt,” he said.“When govt completed one year, party functionaries took the work done to the public. Whenever needed, party MLAs and MPs participated in organisational programmes,” he said.He said his first major responsibility after becoming Delhi BJP chief would be to take the achievements of the Narendra Modi govt and the work done by the Delhi BJP govt to the people between June 5 and June 21. A review meeting with MLAs, MPs and councillors regarding the preparations was held on Thursday.Malhotra said the campaign would include small and large public meetings across Delhi, programmes by MPs in Assembly segments falling under their Lok Sabha constituencies and exhibitions in all revenue districts.Malhotra, who is also the Union minister of state for road transport and highways, spoke about ongoing road infrastructure projects in Delhi-NCR. He said the Rekha Gupta govt was working with the Centre to make Delhi congestion-free. Elevated roads from Sarai Kale Khan to Sohna and from Faridabad to Jewar would benefit commuters, he added. A Rs 650-crore elevated road project through Kalindi Kunj would make travel between Delhi, Faridabad and Noida signal-free.Asked about how he would balance multiple responsibilities, Malhotra said BJP worked as a team both in the ministry and the organisation. “The child who can handle every task is always given more work,” he said, adding that he would discharge his responsibilities fully.