NEW DELHI — The heart of Moti Nagar beats to the rhythm of history, tradition, and a deep-rooted sense of community.
In the midst of a political battle, stands Harish Khurana, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate and son of the late Madan Lal Khurana, one of Delhi’s most respected former Chief Ministers.
For many in Moti Nagar, the name “Khurana” is synonymous with Punjabi trust, swift action, and a legacy of public service. Madan Lal Khurana, who served as the third Chief Minister of Delhi from 1993 to 1996. He had contested 11 elections in Delhi — MP, ( four times), MLA and municipal councillor — and won 10 of them.
ALSO READ: Recent murder in Sudamapuri, roads are troubling Moti Nagar voters
Now, his son Harish, a political newcomer with a deep sense of duty, is stepping into his father’s shoes, hoping to revive the area’s lost luster and carry forward his family’s rich legacy. The New Indian takes a deep dive into Moti Nagar to size up voters’ sentiments.
A Legacy That Runs Deep, Say Locals on Harish
On the bustling streets of Moti Nagar, where vendors sell everything from vegetables to jewelry and the air smells of fresh samosas and incense, Harish Khurana is more than just a candidate—he’s a symbol of continuity.
“When people see Harish, they see his father’s values,” says Ashok, a middle-aged resident who has lived in the area for over 40 years.
“Madan Lal Khurana’s name still carries weight here. People remember his leadership. Harish has the potential to bring that same spirit back,” he adds.
Indeed, Madan Lal’s reputation is as enduring as the city’s architecture.
The Khurana senior, who passed away in 2018, was beloved for his pragmatism and approachability.
His son Harish, now stepping into the political arena, carries not only his father’s name but also the weight of his legacy. It’s a legacy that many voters believe is vital for Moti Nagar’s future.
The Weight of Expectations
For residents like Harban Singh, who remembers watching Madan Lal navigate the complexities of Delhi politics, the Khurana name is one of reliability.
“Madan Lal Khurana’s word was law around here,” says Singh, a local shopkeeper who recalls how easily things seemed to get done when his father was in power. “Now, Harish visits us regularly, he’s approachable, and he listens. We trust him.”
But Harish isn’t just riding on his father’s coattails. His candidacy is seen as a fresh chance to address Moti Nagar’s pressing concerns—issues that have only intensified in recent years. From pothole-ridden roads to rising crime and inadequate public infrastructure, the people of Moti Nagar are ready for a change.
They speak of their frustration with the state of the constituency under the current MLA, AAP’s Shiv Charan Goel, who has held the seat since 2013.
A New Hope for Change
In the heart of Moti Nagar’s market, Hemanand Thakur, a clothing shop owner, speaks passionately about his hopes for Harish. “I’ve seen a lot of politicians come and go, but Harish has something different. He’s got the drive, the charisma, and the right connections to make things happen. People are tired of promises that are never fulfilled,” Thakur explains. “Harish knows what needs to be done—he can bring us the change we’ve been waiting for.”
While Harish’s supporters are confident in his ability to deliver, there’s no denying the challenge ahead. The seat has been in AAP’s grasp for two consecutive terms, with Shiv Charan Goel comfortably winning in both 2015 and 2020.
ALSO READ: No one but stray dogs at Mohalla Clinics; People demand change in Kejriwal’s Constituency
In the last election, Goel secured over 53% of the vote, fending off strong competition from BJP’s Subhash Sachdeva. Still, Harish Khurana’s supporters remain hopeful that his unique connection to the people and his father’s enduring legacy can shift the tide in the BJP’s favor.
A City at a Crossroads
As the election nears, the residents of Moti Nagar are faced with a choice that goes beyond party lines—it’s about legacy, leadership, and the promise of a better tomorrow.
The streets of this historic constituency are filled with memories of Madan Lal Khurana’s tenure, and now, they are brimming with the hope that Harish Khurana can channel that spirit into a new era for Moti Nagar.
Many are hoping that the younger Khurana can provide what they have longed for—better roads, safer streets, and an overall rejuvenation of the area’s public infrastructure. The nostalgia of his father’s leadership is palpable in every corner, but the future of Moti Nagar rests on whether Harish can translate that legacy into tangible results for the people.
For now, Harish’s path is clear: continue his father’s legacy while embracing the modern demands of a growing Delhi. As election day draws closer, Moti Nagar’s voters are watching with eager eyes, hoping that the son can live up to the name that still echoes through the streets.
This version emphasizes the emotional and nostalgic connection to the Khurana legacy while weaving in the current challenges and aspirations of the Moti Nagar community. It presents Harish Khurana’s candidacy as not just a political move but a continuation of a beloved family legacy.
(Edited by Rohan Dua)
