JOIN USFive-time MLA from Seelampur Chaudhary Mateen Ahmed says his one-on-one rapport with the electorate is the secret behind his unbeaten record since 1993 – the year the constituency with a large Muslim-population came into being.
Ahmed tells Avinash Singh Sudan that Congress will retain Seelampur seat in these elections as well. Excerpts:
You have never lost an election from Seelampur. What is the reason behind your victory spree?
I know almost all my voters personally. I keep in touch with them throughout the year not just before the election season. And I have always remained available for anybody who needs my help round the clock, seven days a week.
Does your vote share comprise majority of minority community votes?
The constituency has 60 per cent Muslim voters, but Hindu brothers also vote for me. People vote for me on the basis of the development work that I have done in the area.
Has the Congress ever invited you to share your secret to others candidates?
No, the party has not. If it does, I will be more than happy to go.
Congress lost 2014 Lok Sabha elections from North-east Delhi. You think the Lok Sabha’s results will have any affect on the current Assembly elections?
We (Congress) lost because the Aam Aadmi Party gave false hopes to people and divided our vote share. The public also started looking out for their personal interests like low electricity tariff. But it also depends from leader to leader and how one deals with his voters.
Do you think your community voted for other parties in Lok Sabha elections?
Yes, they did. The Aam Aadmi Party’s chief Arvind Kejriwal had contested from Varanasi so the Muslims voted for the party.
Do you think Muslims will again vote for other parties in these Delhi Assembly elections?
Yes, of course the Muslims will vote other parties where the Congress’ candidates are weak.
What about the community votes in your constituency in these elections?
They will surely vote for me. They know how much I have worked for their welfare as well as for the other communities. So I am quite confident about my constituency.
Do you feel your vote share is bigger than Congress vote share?
No doubt, my vote share is bigger that the Congress vote share.
Have you ever thought of joining another party?
No, I never think about joining any other party. Congress party feels like home to me. Why should I go to any other party? My image will be spoiled if I do so. Moreover, I am with the Congress because I like the party’s ideology.
Don’t you feel Congress uses you for elections and doesn’t give you any cabinet post?
Maybe the leaders do not consider me worthy for the post of a minister.
Last year you were sentenced to three years’ jail for rioting and obstructing government officials in their duty. Comment.
I have been out on bail and the matter is settled. Thats all I want to say about the incident.
Will this be your last elections?
If health is on my side, then I will contest again.