UP Deputy CM Dinesh Sharma says BJP prepared for win in civic elections

Edited excerpts from an interview with Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM Dinesh Sharma:

What is the level of BJP’s preparedness for the civic polls?
The BJP is all prepared. Speaking for myself, I have held 50 meetings myself. The elections are totally a one-sided affair. There is barely any competition.

How is this election different from last time?
Instead of fighting with other political parties, this time BJP’s main opponents are independent candidates. Other political parties are fighting among themselves. It is only the BJP that is fighting on all seats, at all levels. Also, we have given tickets to scores of Muslims candidates this time.

Why such hype?
For the BJP, it is just like other election. We take every election seriously.

The CM is travelling across the state. That is unusual...
He has till date attended 18-20 meetings, holding two meetings a day, which is not unheard of.

Does it show his nervousness?
Our chief minister believes in working. Keshav Prasad Maurya and I are his working hands. The two of us are averaging nine meetings daily. CM has been attending two-three. He is sure of the work he had done. We have invited no celebrity or film star for campaigning, nor are we banking on any central leader. We are fighting with our state resources and are confident that is enough to win these elections.

The opposition claims the CM has done nothing
Their comments startle us. The SP had said they have made 27,000 houses in five years. We have distributed or are ready to distribute some 11 lakh houses already. This is the level of difference. We have distributed 80% certificates of loan waivers across the state. Visit any jan sabha and you will find no less than 20,000 people. This is a reflection of a party’s popularity. As for the SP, with Akhilesh Yadav deciding not to campaign, they have already accepted defeat. Mayawati too has decided not to campaign. Their defeat is certain so they are busy preparing their speech for defeat.

How many mayoral posts will the BJP win?
It will not be an exaggeration to say that we will win all 16 posts.