Nagpur:
The official candidates haven't been announced but campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections is already underway. NDTV caught up with Congress leader Vilas Muttemwar, current MP from Nagpur who faces a tough challenge from BJP's former President Nitin Gadkari and AAP's state convenor, Anjali Damania.
Following are the excerpts from the interview:NDTV: You are the sitting MP. What are you going to the people with?
Mr Muttemwar: Our dream has come true. We have developed a Special Economic Zone (SEZ). We have an SEZ here called MIHAN. Infosys started their work here on Sunday. Narayana Murthy of Infosys came here and announced that the company will invest Rs. 3000-4000 crores here. Moreover it will create 15000-20000 jobs. That's great news for the people of Nagpur. Eight days ago, in principle approval was given for the Nagpur metro. On Thursday, it will go to central cabinet.
NDTV: Congress has dominated Vidarbha but how much of a challenge does BJP's Nitin Gadkari and AAP present?
Mr Muttemwar: This is a Congress stronghold. Gadkari is contesting for the first time. I don't think BJP or AAP is a challenge for the Congress. Whatever is there in Vidarbha is created by the Congress. Now I've heard Anjali Damania is going to contest. Reporters asked sitting MP is Muttemwar and you are only targeting Gadkari. She said 'we are fighting corrupt leaders. I don't have anything against Muttemwar.' That is the certificate I'm getting everywhere. This is my seventh term. For last 35 years, I've been in public service, I've been a minister, headed committees, but I've not had allegations. That is my strength.
NDTV: Do you feel anti-incumbency against the Centre may be a problem? You may say you have a clean record but there are many allegations against Centre?
Mr Muttemwar: Whatever corruption charges, but nothing is proved. Whatever charges against this government - that is all notional, they will have to prove it. It is easy to blame somebody without substance.
NDTV: But politics is also a battle of perception?
Mr Muttemwar: In 2003, same situation was there. We lost in Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh. So Pramod Mahajan took a stand that we are popular and India is shining. He advanced elections, we won. We weren't expecting, so Congress will rise above this. And what you are saying about perception, we will change that.
NDTV: Where do you stand on Vidarbha?
Mr Muttemwar: I'm for Vidarbha. Even my speech I ended it with 'jai Vidarbha'. We all want Vidarbha, but peacefully. Why should we agitate? Why should we bring down our own buildings, burn our own buses? This is the region of Mahatma. He came to Sewagram (in neighbouring Wardha district). We will agitate with non-violence.