Rahul Has Punished Sheila by Fielding Her Against Me: Manoj Tiwari

Manoj Tiwari speaks about Sheila Dikshit, BJP’s performance, PM Modi’s Kedarnath visit, muted voter turnout and more

Manoj Tiwari speaks to The Quint on Sheila Dikshit, performance of BJP, PM Modi’s Kedarnath visit, muted voter turnout and more

(Photo: The Quint)

Video Editors: Mohd Ibrahim & Varun Sharma

Ahead of the much-awaited results of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, The Quint caught up with Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari. Tiwari spoke about a range of issues, from Sheila Dikshit’s return to the BJP’s performance in Delhi, and from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Kedarnath visit to voter turnout in minority-dominated areas.

On PM Modi’s Kedarnath Visit

Tiwari said that there is nothing new in PM Modi visiting Kedarnath. He added that every individual gets his inspiration from somewhere, and it is in their soul get energy by offering devotion to God.

Tiwari also said that they would use this energy to work in favour of the nation.

On Muted Voter Turnout

Tiwari said that he analysed the muted voter turnout in detail when he was in Delhi. He contends that the lower voter turnout came from booths where minority communities have a greater presence.

“Earlier, turnout was higher in booths with significant minority population. This time, for some reason, the voter turnout in such booths was lower. Where there used to 75 percent turnout, this time there has been only 58-59 percent turnout. On the contrary, turnout in booths with significant majority population has increased. This means that the minority community isn’t motivated to beat PM Modi. They feel that BJP has not done anything wrong to them in 5 years.”

Manoj Tiwari to The Quint

On Delhi Lok Sabha Seats

Manoj Tiwari said that the BJP did face some trouble till 2016 in the capital but since then the saffron party has been the dominant party in Delhi. He said that ever since a Purvanchal leader has been handed reins of BJP in Delhi, the party has seen its popularity grow.

On being asked whether Sheila Dikshit’s return to stand for the Congress has made an impact, Tiwari said that the former Delhi chief minister has ‘made the elections interesting.’

“Rahul Gandhi has punished Sheila Dikshit by making her contest against me and that too at her age. I can sympathise with her.”

Manoj Tiwari to The Quint