Poonam Sinha: 'Rajnath Singh has not done any work in Lucknow over the last five years. Everywhere I go, people are praising Akhilesh Yadav'
Poonam Sinha, wife of actor-turned-politician Shatrughan Sinha, is contesting from SP against Home Minister Rajnath Singh in Lucknow. She spoke with Rohit E David about her chances, Singh's record and why she didn't join the Congress.
Q. Can you tell us why you joined the SP — not the Congress?
I liked what I read about Akhilesh Yadav and I think he is a wonderful youth icon and the future of the country.
The kind of work he has done is so great — at such a young age at that. He is, of course, an educated politician, and he is thinking progressively. I thought it was only right that I get into good hands. The Congress did not offer me a chance to join the party.
Q. You will be taking on Rajnath Singh from Lucknow, which happens to be a stronghold of the BJP. What are the chances you stand against him?
I’m very confident — Rajnath Singh has never done any work in Lucknow over the last five years. He promised to the people that he will give them an Outer Ring Road, which was very much needed, but it has been five years since and not even a brick has been laid.
So, I’m looking at what Akhilesh Yadav has done.
I do stand a very, very good chance.
Q. What is your experience in political/public work? Why should the people of Lucknow vote for you?
I have been a social worker and I have done a lot of philanthropic work. I have assisted my husband in all his election works. I had restricted myself from being just a housewife. I’m a thinking person who is educated. Why shouldn’t I?
This is a democracy. Anybody has the right to contest elections if they feel they have it in them to give their best to society.
Q. How intensively have you followed politics till now?
Very much. People in Bihar and UP are politically aware. I have learnt a lot from my husband about politics. My husband only came for my nomination, which any husband would for his wife, and that’s it. Now, he has gone back.
Q. What are the top three things you think Lucknow really needs?
Certainly, development. A lot has been done but it needs more. The problems which the people have must be tackled and making it into a better place needs to be planned.
Q. If the BJP and PM Modi win, will you and your husband regret the move to other parties?
I don’t think we’ll have any regrets. Life goes on — you move forward. It’s okay.
Q. Don't you think Hema Malini has set a poor example of film stars in politics?
She has also done her work in Mathura. She has been there for quite some time. In my view, she is a responsible lady.
Q. The Congress is planning not to field any candidate from Lucknow. Is this going to be Opposition vs BJP?
No, even if they field anyone, it’s not going to affect us. SP has its own following and I don’t think it’s going to affect us in any way. Maybe it will work better for us.
Q. How much difference is the SP-BSP alliance going to make in the elections in UP?
The alliance is very strong and I can feel the change. Everywhere I go for campaigning, people are praising Akhilesh. It’s not that we go only to places where they are strong. We go to other places as well to campaign. I can see the change they want.
Q. And what do you have to say about PM Narendra Modi and his governance?
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