Gupta hops on to Metro,harps on people’s issues

Asked why he chose the Metro to reach Chandni Chowk Gupta said,“I’m a middle class man and do not believe in pomp and show. We wanted to avoid chaos and didn’t want to cause inconvenience to people.”

Gupta reached Sangam Park in North Delhi in the evening from where he was to lead a rally on foot to Om Nagar and then Model Town before finally calling it a day.

Gupta said Sibal has hardly been accessible and not done anything worthwhile for the people of Chandni Chowk.

When asked what his priority would be if voted to power he said,“I have been fighting against commercialisation of education for the last 15 years and would give priority to the issue if voted to power.”

His other promises include strengthening the transport system to effectively connect all areas of Chandni Chowk to the Metro line and ensuring uninterrupted power supply and special emphasis on infrastructure.

Delimitation,which is expected to play a decisive role in the electoral fortunes of the contestants,was conspicuously downplayed by Gupta. “I’ve never believed in dividing the people. My issues are linked to all people and there is no Hindu-Muslim divide in my campaign,” said the young face of the BJP when asked whether the reduction of Muslim votes due to delimitation can brighten his prospects in the election.

Gupta’s foray is not going to be easy given the popularity of his Congress opponent in Chandni Chowk.

Sibal had defeated Smriti Irani BJP candidate from Chandni Chowk in the 2004 general elections.

Gupta,who is also the MCD president,is planning to take on Sibal on the basis of his performance.