NEW DELHI, Jan 28: You seem to be identified more with India International Centre (IIC) than politics. Do you think that has affected your image?What's wrong with sitting at IIC? It is no crime and this is a modern world. Unless you keep abreast with what's happening, you can't act in Parliament. There are a number of MPs who don't know anything about the issues raised in Parliament. Unlike most MPs I don't indulge in gossip and make scandals sitting in hotels and Central Hall.
During your stint in the Parliament, you focussed more on national issues. Don't you think that local issues are more important?
It's wrong to say that I have not raised local issues, but then the issue which can be raised in the municipal corporation and state assembly is not legally admissible in Parliament. Besides I feel that local issues cannot be delinked from national issues. Most problems of poverty, lack of housing, corruption and pollution stem from the infrastructure famine in the country.
What haveyour achievements been?
I am a Karamyogi, I believe that one should do one's best. I am the only MP who has spent Rs 4 crore on development works in my constituency. My predecessor, Rajesh Khanna, didn't utilise funds. So I got most of it used for work in the constituency. People know my contribution for the development of Delhi as Lt. Governor of Delhi.
You have many Muslims in your constituency. What is your stand regarding them?
They are equal citizens of the country.... In fact I am the biggest benefactor of Muslims. During my tenure as the city's Lt. Governor, I protected a number of monuments made by Muslim rulers. Our party is the only party which works for minorities unlike other so-called secular parties.The community has mostly poor and uneducated because of them.
What about Bangladeshi immigrants? Your party wants them thrown out.
I don't want to get into any controversy at this stage. There are some alleged Bangladeshi immigrants staying at Yamuna Pushta. Somepolitical parties have raised the issue. Our party's position is that foreign nationals shouldn't be allowed to live here.
You still seem to function like an administrator. People complain you don't have time for them.
That's not true, I am quite accessible. From 8.30 am every day I meet people at my residence.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
