“I thought it would be a triangular contest but now the contest is between BJP and Congress. Aam Aadmi Party has lost its ground, ” said Congress candidate from Greater Kailash Assembly constituency Sharmistha Mukherjee, who on Wednesday filed her nominations. Stating that her focus was not on politics of mud-slinging but on nurturing her constituency, she added that as advised by her father President Pranab Mukherjee she would work hard and have patience.
A noted social activist, Ms. Mukherjee said “I want to improve the basic quality of life, which is essentially the job of the councillors. But since, they are from the BJP and have not been doing their job properly, the responsibility also comes on the MLAs.” “I have grown up in this area. I know the problems. I would focus on improving the traffic scene, educate people about community policing, have CCTVs installed and see that they are in good working condition at all times. I would also want a gender sensitization programme in all police stations in my constituency,” she said.
When asked how she feels about Ms. Kiran Bedi as BJP’s Chief Ministerial candidate, Ms Mukherjee said, “I can’t comment on that. Both Arvind Kejriwal and Kiran Bedi started from the same platform. Where is Anna ji (Anna Hazare)? Is there such a dearth of leadership in BJP that they had to announce as their CM candidate a person who joined the party just a day ago?” she remarked.
When asked about the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan, she said “the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan now is just symbolic and sorry to say, media hype.”
Ms. Mukherjee also said Delhi’s administration is very complex and people are left running for information or getting any work done.
“I and my team are working on developing a website for my constituency where we would highlight all projects and works intended to be taken up in next six months after coming to power and the deadline. It would also give details of all officers concerned with a redressal window,” she said.
Refraining from making any tall promises, Ms. Mukherjee said, “Politicians need to behave a bit responsibly. They can’t make tall promises and then betray people’s trust. I am looking at issues which are do-able, implementable and practical.”