Five-term MP Sumitra Mahajan (BJP) says her opponents can make all kinds of charges but her victory is certain. Excerpts from an interview with Kumkum Chadha during her campaign in Indore.
What are your minus points in this election?
You will feel I am bragging but really there are no minus points. I have served as a minister for five years and as an MP for five terms. I am in touch with my constituency. We have a BJP mayor and he is working for the development of Indore. I have started 13-14 trains to different stations and that's not a joke.
You claim that the BJP mayor, who is also a PWD minister, is with you. But some people say he is opposed to you and the reason why Indore is undeveloped is because he wants to weaken you.
I don't think so. There may be differences between us but I am sure that there won't be any sabotage.
There is nobody to sabotage because the Congress is non-existent here in Indore and you get the advantage of the anti-Congress vote.
{{/usCountry}}There is nobody to sabotage because the Congress is non-existent here in Indore and you get the advantage of the anti-Congress vote.
{{/usCountry}}Maybe the first time but four times? People say Sumitra Mahajan is active. She has done something for the city.
The Congress’ issue is development while the BJP — a party that has always attacked personality politics — is riding piggyback on PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Development is our issue and Vajpayee is the vikaspurush. He is the face of development. Why won't we mention him? He is not mentioned in the context of his being someone's son.
Unemployment is a major issue in your constituency.
I cannot call people and offer jobs. I have created opportunities for work. Thirteen trains mean more coolies, roads mean more dhabas.