Urmilaben Patel (Congress): The people should answer this. They cast their vote on two counts: the party programmes and ideology and the candidate's image and capability. In view of my academic career, my social and political work, I think people will want to vote for me.

What is your top priority?
JT: There are small problems everywhere. I intend to address the problems of water paucity and bad rural roads. In fact, unavailability of water has even affected the marriage prospects of sons of Waghodia farmers.

UP: I intend to address the problems of the city, where development has been stagnant for quite some time. There is the question of accommodating those who come to the city for employment or education; of inadequate civic amenities; of M S University, which has not received sufficient grants for a few years and which doesn't offer enough scope for professional education.

What is your agenda for pollution?
JT: The problem should have been taken care of when the industries came up, at which time the Congress was in power. I have told IPCL and other big companies to control pollution; we can solve the problem together. Many (polluting) industries have been shut down during BJP rule.

UP: I'll represent the issue before the authorities concerned. Since small units cannot bear the cost of effluent treatment plants, we have to get funds from the World Bank and other such agencies, as well as the State and Central governments.

What is your agenda for industries?
JT: Meetings will be held with financial companies to bring industries out of the red. Some which have closed down can also be revived. I managed to get a 12-month salary package for employees of Petrofils, which is in bad shape.

UP: Nearly 1,200 industries have shut down in Vadodara in the past year. The issue will be taken to a policy-making level; it can also be raised in Parliament. If IPCL is privatised, it will have far-reaching, cumulative effects.

How will you spend your fund?
JT: It will be spent after inviting suggestions from the district panchayat, the taluka panchayat and even active party workers, as it was last time. Workers know best how funds can be best utilised.

UP: It will be spent on Vadodara city and the rural areas; remote villages and slums will get priority.