Look, this is a national election. The main issues for me are national security, economic progress by bringing that money back from Swiss banks, foreign policy and judicial reforms. These are the four areas that I will look at on the national level.
I would like to eliminate judicial delays, and discourage frivolous appeals particularly by the Government of India. I have some strong viewpoints on national security. I would be useful in framing the new anti-terrorism laws.
I am a student of history and foreign policy, so I have a lot to contribute particularly on the question of Indo-China relations and our border disputes. And of course, on the economic front, I am part of (Bharatiya Janata Party prime ministerial candidate Lal Kishenchand) Advaniji's think-tank to get black money back from Swiss banks.
Of course, you can't be oblivious of your constituency because that's what takes you to Parliament. I think it is shocking. All over, whether it is buildings or jhopadpattis (slums), they have no water.
We talk about India Shining and growth and all sorts of milestones spun out by the spin doctors. But it is a crying shame that in this city, which is supposed to be one of the most advanced cities and people want to make it an international financial centre, you come to a constituency like this and see the 73 per cent live in slums.
When my father fought elections in 1984, it was 40 percent slums, and that was considered a shame.
We have no conscience in this city, frankly, and I include myself. We are all very comfortable in our own private spaces, advancement in our professional careers, making money, holidaying. But very few people are actually giving back to Bombay what they have got from her.
It's been a complete eye-opener. We just like to believe the poor are getting better. Yes, they are. Surprisingly, in most slum homes, there is a TV and a mobile phone, but there's no water! And look at the conditions -- there's no ventilation.
Every time you go there, you choke. Diseases are rife -- tuberculosis, malaria, filaria. What kind of dual existence are we all living in this city? It's a complete joke.
I hope I would be able to nurse this constituency. Twenty-four hours water for every home will be what I strive for, by putting pressure on the central government, getting more funds for Bombay, increasing its water supply and having a re-look at its water distribution system, because it is inequitable as far as I can see it right now.
I'm happy Priya Dutt and I agree on one thing: That from now on, there can be no fresh encroachments. Bombay cannot take it any more -- there will be civil unrest if we don't provide water, and if there is this kind of pressure on our resources and our infrastructure.
We are not electing the right people, honestly. These people come to power on false slogans, on demonising other people. Every Congress chief minister in particular, if you examine his wealth before he became chief minister and after he became chief minister, you'll find a shocking disparity. But our press is very quiet on this.
Photograph: Satish Bodas.
Also see: 'So very little is being done for our security' | India Votes 2009
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