He hit the streets along with supporters and hit out at the high command. At last he has succeeded in getting the ticket and now he has to face the real struggle i.e elections.

During a talk with Satish Shile of Deccan Herald on Tuesday, Jaggesh said he could get the Congress ticket because of the people of Turuvekere. “I am grateful to people who attracted the party’s attention and succeeded in getting me the party ticket”, he said. Here are excerpts from an interaction with the actor.

DH: During the last elections you stood in the third position. Don’t you think the party had valid a reason to deny you the ticket?

Jaggesh: Before my entry into politics the Congress had no base in the constituency. I secured votes close to 30,000, though I was contesting for the first time. I required 200 votes to secure the second place.

Moreover, then I had only two and half months time to campaign. I accepted the defeat and have been working for the constituency since then. Moreover, now I have earned the good will of the people.

Will your actor-image help in securing votes?

No. I am not facing elections as an actor. I am contesting as a social servant. I am quite sure that no actor with his actor-image can woo voters in Assembly elections.The only factors which can play a role in the elections is the good will that the candidate earns.

Will you continue acting even if you are elected this time?

Acting is my profession. That gave me bread, butter, fame and everything. I can’t give up my profession. But once I am elected the welfare of my voters will be my top priority. I may take up only one or two film projects a year.

Why should people favour you?

Though I lost the previous elections, I have made myself available for the public whenever they were in trouble. I have been fighting against corruption in the constituency.

The people should cast their votes so that I can continue my struggle against corruption and work for the welfare of the people in the constituency.