You are up against BJP’s Saket Mishra. Where do you stand? Do you consider him an outsider?
I have a fair chance, as no development work has been done here despite having a double-engine govt. The entire constituency resonates with the slogan ‘abki baar india gathbandhan ki govt‘. In this poll, I am not fighting the election, but the people are fighting against issues like unemployment and inflation. The entire country is with INDIA bloc. I am not making any comment against Saket ji and do not consider him an outsider. I have support from the people.
What are your strengths, and why will people vote for INDIA bloc?
We have a clear strategy to inform people about BJP’s failure in generating jobs and controlling inflation. I am telling the public that if we are voted to power then Rs 1 lakh will be given per year to the unemployed and the poor, while an increase from Rs 280 to Rs 400 will be made under MGNREGA. We will also start the old pension scheme and waive farm loans.
Your opposition candidate is saying that the incumbent MP has done no work. Your comments?
Before I became MP, BJP also had members of Parliament from the seat but still no development was done. But when I came, I raised the issue of railway line in Parliament following which the work started and Rs 390 crore sanctioned. The issue had been pending for the last three decades. In the field of education, the seats in the JNV schools were increased from 40 to 80 on my insistence. The airport you see here is because of my efforts. There was no medical college in the district but now it is ready and will be inaugurated soon. A bypass between Barabanki and Shravasti will also be built soon. Let the people decide who has done what work.
INDIA Bloc has pledged to increase reservation in govt jobs. How do you plan to advocate for this in your seat?
If we talk about UP, as per estimates, OBCs constitute 52% and Dalits 23%. If voted to power, we will get a caste-based census done. Thereafter, all things will fall in place. This is essential for bringing equality to society.
Will it be ‘abki Baar 400 paar’ for the BJP?
I don’t believe in numbers but have firm faith in the nyay patra of the Congress party and the SP manifesto. I am trying to cover as many villages as possible and tell people about our schemes and governance. We believe in doing work on the ground and not building castles in the air.