Kannada actor Pooja Gandhi is on a high. She is contesting from Raichur on a BSR Congress ticket. In an interview with TOI, the ‘Mungaru Male’ star claims though she has switched parties twice, B Sriramulu’s party is now her extended family.
What is your campaign style in Raichur’s heat and dust?
I am going door to door for campaigning, holding mohalla meetings, interacting with students near colleges, meeting people in parks, eating joints , shops and dance classes.
Are you comfortable with your fans? Any problems?
I am enjoying every bit of their love and affection. The people of Raichur are very cultured and hold women in esteem. One interesting thing is that my constituency has more women voters than men.
How different is BSR Congress from the earlier JD(S), KJP?
Our party believes in political empowerment of women. This has been proved in the way they have respected me and given me a political opportunity to make a difference. The party has a good mix of seniors and youth in Raichur city. To be honest, the party workers have already become my extended family.
Why should people vote for you? Are you a serious candidate?
I request people to vote for my vision to make Raichur clean and green. My goal is to make the city an educational and economic hub in Hyderabad-Karnatak region. Every child here should get good and quality education. I promised people to solve basic problems of drinking water, electricity and sanitation, with government departments, NGOs and citizens working in tandem.
Why did actor Rakshita leave the party? Does she feel threatened by your presence?
Not at all. Rakshita is my best friend and was my producer. I have the greatest respect for her. I am not privy to the information on why she has quit the party.
