We are with Mumbaikars 24/7, fighting for their causes: Sanjay Nirupam

You have been chosen to lead the city unit, especially when Congress lost all six seats in the Lok Sabha polls and could win only five of the 36 assembly seats in Greater Mumbai. Do you have a roadmap for revival of Congress in Mumbai?
Mumbai has had a closer relation with the Congress since the beginning. However, people slowly lost their faith in us. I would establish the same relationship of the city with the Congress once again. I would also bring all members from grass-roots party workers to senior leaders on one page and plan a comeback strategy.

Before going ahead with treatment, have you first diagnosed the disease city Congress is suffering from?
It is mainly because of 'fatigue' as we were ruling the state for 15 years.

Don't you think corruption was the major issue behind your party's drubbing? How do you plan to tackle the situation now as Ashok Chavan, who was at the helm of Adarsh controversy, is now party's state chief?
Corruption is a big issue and it must be eliminated. I don't think that the party was discarded by the people due to corruption only. BJP and Shiv Sena are also not free from corruption charges.

What do you think went in your favour in comparison with other potential candidates – closeness to Gandhi family or your skills?
I am a committed worker who believes in hard work, is energetic, ready to hit the roads and can take everyone along, while being not so ambitious. These qualities might have gone in my favour. As a worker, I do have the blessings of the Gandhi family as well.

What would be your priorities now?
We wish to assure Mumbaikars once again that we are with them 24/7, fighting for their issues related to water, drains, roads, hike in power tariff and communal politics by the Shiv Sena and BJP. We would ensure that people in Mumbai get free Wi-Fi.

State Congress chief Manikrao Thakre had resigned after Lok Sabha debacle. But that was not the case with the city chief Janardan Chandurkar. Why do you think he was replaced?
I have no idea about it.

Is reconciliation with NCP on the cards?
This is a hypothetical question, too early to comment.

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi is missing and there were talks of Priyanka taking his place. What exactly is happening in Delhi?
Rahulji is not missing. He has taken leave for the first time in his career. He will be back to take the command soon. Priyanka is already working for the party. If party leadership thinks that her role must be redefined or expanded, she would be brought on board.

Why can't Congress think beyond Gandhis?
Our party has a pan-India network and has a diverse pool of leaders. The Gandhi family has been the binding factor for all of us. By the way, why should there be objections to the Gandhi family? They have sacrificed a lot for the country and the party.