Exclusive interview of BJP candidate of Bhopal Lok Sabha constituency Alok Sharma by Bhavana ‘Aparajita’ Shukla, Bureau Chief, Bhopal. Voting for State’s prestigious seat Bhopal will be held on May 7. Candidates have the opportunity to make a final impression on the electorate before the period of election silence. Taking time out of his hectic public campaigning in Bhopal North on Friday, former Mayor and BJP candidate Alok Sharma spoke about his plans for the State capital if he is elected. Here are the excerpts:

Q. What are your priorities for Bhopal?

A. My first priority will be the development of Bhopal Lok Sabha constituency on the lines of twin city model like Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar and Hyderabad-Secunderabad of urban development. Here this concept would be replicated keeping in mind proximity of Berasia and Sehore to Bhopal. I will work for the development of Sehore and Berasia as well. I have studied the major capitals of the country as well as across the globe to develop Bhopal. I wanted to see Bhopal as ‘Smart, Clean and Digital City’. Now, we are already a Smart City, we are gifted with heritage and digitally we are making a mark. We will be a Metro city soon, and we will be a global city soon. It will be city as per the dream of our Prime Minister, according to the dream of people of Bhopal, it is my dream to make this historic city a global city. I will work hard to fulfill these dreams.

Q. How about your second priority for gas victims.

A. The world’s worst industrial disaster had happened here on the night of December 2-3, 1984. Me and my family are also sufferers of Bhopal gas tragedy. This tragedy of leakage of toxic gas not only killed thousands of people in Bhopal but continues to give nightmares to the survivors. It is very unfortunate, even after passing 40 years, no clean-up operation of the chemical waste. Waste stored on the Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) premises the site of the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy is yet to be disposed off. My second priority will be proper disposal of this waste. Hundreds of tonnes of toxic waste on the premises of Bhopal gas tragedy site will be disposed. On this site, a park will be developed.

Q. It is being said that basic facilities are availability of tap water at every household of the city has yet to be achieved what you have to say about this?

A Our Government has done a lot in past few years. But it is true that as far as bulk connection are concern it is seen that in some of the areas, private colonies have taken bulk connection and so the residents here end up paying higher water charges. Residents of these colonies have to shell out more money. This practice will be curbed. Bhopal will take shape as per the aspiration of Bhopal’s people.

Q. Only three days are left for voting, first two phases had shown lower voter turnout. It has caused a concern among both the parties, especially in BJP. What you have to say on this and why people should elect you.

A Bhopal ka beta hoon (I’m a son of Bhopal). People have seen what I have done and what I am capable of. If I am voted to power, then we will have a triple-engine Government here, with the BJP ruling the Centre as well as the State. Under the leadership of PM Modi, the country is becoming more glorious, prosperous and strong.

Q. Bhopal is lagging behind in cleanliness drive from other cities like Indore.

A In this country Congress ruled for several decades none of their leaders pay attention towards cleanness. After Mahatma Gandhi, it was Prime Minister Narendra Modi who drew us towards this crucial issue. I assure you that Bhopal will be number one in the country in cleanness. Stains of Paan spitting could be seen anywhere in the city, during my tenure in corporation, I myself cleaned that spot from the face of the city and I will bring Bhopal number one in the cleanness survey of the country with the support of people of Bhopal.

Q. Congress has fielded new face this time. It is being said that BJP has fielded a candidate who had lost the recent Assembly election. How do you see this fight going to pan out in this elections?

A The Lok Sabha elections’ victory will break all records. Bhopal is a stronghold of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), having never lost an election since 1989. Bhopalites will create history this time. Modi Magic is every where. As far as defeat in Assembly election is concerned, in elections it is obvious. But people have seen Congress regime. Now, under the PM Modi, the country will see Apki Baar 400 Par.

Q. On Master Plan. When the city will have its Master Plan?

A Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, we are working for 360-degree development of our respective areas. Very soon, we will bring a concrete Master Plan for the State capital.