Bardhaman and Durgapur have witnessed an extremely high-octane election pitch. In the fray are two high-profile candidates from the TMC and BJP. The state-ruling party TMC has fielded cricketer-turned-politician Kirti Azad against BJP stalwart Dilip Ghosh.
In an exclusive interview with The Daily Guardian, TMC candidate Kirti Azad said that Modi should give his report card, which he has failed to give so far.
Q: What are the plans of TMC for this L.S. election?
A: We plan to expose the lies of the Narendra Modi-led central government’s stepmotherly treatment towards Bengal vis-à-vis the non-release of central funds.
Q: How will you tackle your opponent and senior BJP leader?
A: Bengal is well known for its history, culture, and tradition, and the BJP’s candidate doesn’t fit in any of the above three categories. I don’t need to tackle him, as he’s doing my job with his nonsensical utterances.
Q: What are your agendas for which you are contesting this election?
A: My agenda is simple. To work for the people of Bardhaman Durgapur. Due to the inactivity of the previous MP Ahluwalia, lots of central government agency work is pending. Firstly, to get them cleared, and secondly, to demand the financial dues by the central government towards West Bengal.
Q: How many seats will TMC win in the L.S. election?
A: TMC will win anything over 35 seats and will increase its 2019 mandate.
Q: What is your take on all the allegations that are being put on TMC?
A: Modi is known to brag, blame, give jumlas, and lie. This is a general election, and Modi should give his report card, which he has failed to do so far. Karl Marks once said, “Religion is the opium of the masses; where nothing works, religion does.” Modi, who has done master’s entire political science, knows it very well and uses it very skillfully.
Q: What are your future plans for Bardawan Durgapur?
A: I have been a three-time member of Parliament. I love challenges, and the state government, under the leadership of Mamta Bandhopadhyay, has been doing a great job. My plans would be to get all the incomplete work left by the central government and works in the pipeline, respectively, to be implemented as soon as possible for the parliamentary seat of Bardhaman Durgapur.