The Allahabad Lok Sabha seat is witnessing a stiff contest between two top candidates who are both lawyers by profession and have a similar political background. One is the Bharatiya Janata Party’s nominee Neeraj Tripathi, son of Keshari Nath Tripathi, former governor of West Bengal and speaker of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly, a veteran leader of Bharatiya Janata Party competing against Ujjwal Raman Singh this candidate representing India Group is Kunwar Revati Raman Singh’s son, who also happens to be Samajwadi Party heavyweight , former Union Cabinet minister and three time MP (two in Lok Sabha and once in Lok Sabha MP).Ujvar is fighting congress Tickets for Prayagraj Allahabad Assembly Seat. Two-time former MLA from Congress and former UP cabinet minister Ujjwal Raman Singh said earlier in an interview with TOI that he felt it was problematic if party members did not ask questions or set their priorities right about this event….
What do you think about these elections especially as far as playagraj What about the country?
This election is more or less about ideology between BJP and INB. The BJP’s platform and policies they implement are not good for the nation as well as I am campaigning for this poll on matters concerning the country and Prayagraj where I went round to many people over a long period of time assisting them, enjoying their blessings.I don’t think my constituents or those around my region would find me strange because I have been with them for over 20 years apart from having inherited father’s legacy that has lasted fifty years up to now (winning his first election in 2004).
Which key points will you communicate to voters?
In this election, I am fighting on extremely local issues related to Prayagraj city.The most important one among them is establishment of AIIMS at Sangam city.Moreover Naini industrial belt revival, refinery installation (whose foundation stone was laid long back), drinking water problem of people from Shankargrah and Lohgara, lack of irrigation water in trans-Yamuna area are the other important ones.Additionally international stadium and metro construction as well as a plan that I will follow. Traffic congestion has become a menace today because this government didn’t think about planned development of the city.
Do you think Congress’s ki assurance will counter Modi’s ki assurance?
We have started to obtain data on all beneficiaries covered by the “Congress Ki Guarantee Card”, which mentions five main commitments.The BJP did not deliver what it promised to voters.With increased prices for essential commodities like LPG, petrol, vegetables and cereals, the situation remains difficult for lower income and middle class families.Jobs are being lost while those in process are being compromised due to corruption or document leakage.Besides this information of UP along with schemes introduced during Akhilesh Yadav government in state have not helped masses yet, gives us an extra advantage.
How many seats do you think the Indian group will win in UP?
This time we can perform far better than 2014 and 2019 as people are fed up with BJP government and I am happy to see Indian group performing very well
Having been a second-generation Socialist Party leader for so many years you abruptly shift to Congress. How does your party adjust to this “new normal”?
My supporters and I have a chemistry that is family-like. On my part, I am faithful to them and they are to me even if it’s my dad or no matter what party I belong in. When I got the Congress ticket, I consulted closely with my key supporters and only after get collective nod did I ever consider standing on the Congress ticket. Most importantly though, we have received a great deal of support from Samajwadi Party as well as Congress Party supporters. At present, all my thoughts are focused on winning Prayagraj Allahabad Assembly seat for the people and honestly executing the duties conferred upon me by India Group.
