Shatrughan Sinha is sweating it out in the hot and humid summer. While campaigning in Fatuha and Bakhtiyarpur, the actor-turned-Patna Sahib MP talks to Abhay Kumar of Deccan Herald. Sinha says a canard has been spread against him that he never visits his constituency, which is also his birthplace.
Deccan Herald: More than you, it’s your wife Poonam Sinha who is making a door-
to-door campaign on your behalf.
Shatrughan Sinha: Like every bold and dutiful wife, Poonam has been working very hard. So is my son Luv. And, of course, other party workers, too.
DH: But there is a common grievance that you are a non-resident MP, who remains
inaccessible to the common man.
SS: Wrong. You can cross-check the records from Patna airport, Kadamkuan police station or my office about how many times I visit Patna. These are canards being spread by enemy within (a section within the BJP).
DH: But why should people vote for you?
SS: … precisely because I have a clean image. There is not even an iota of any allegation against me regarding my personal, professional or political life.
DH: But many leaders within the Bharatiya Janata Party perceive you as an Advani loyalist.
SS: Khamosh! At present, I am fighting this battle only for my action hero Narendra Modi.
DH: Who is your main rival here? The Congress nominee Kunal or AAP candidate Parveen Amanullah or the JD(U) nominee Gopal Sinha?
SS: Kunal says it’s a battle between a prince and a pauper. He calls me a prince, although he, too, has worked in over 100 Bhojpuri films. Parveen is a cultured woman. While Gopal is a brilliant doctor. The best part in this constituency is that no one is using derogatory language against each other, a lesson for others.
DH: Finally, since polling in Patna Sahib is slated for April 17, any probability of Sonakshi Sinha campaigning for you.
SS: Why should she? The crowds may go berserk on her arrival. As a daughter, she is
always welcome here, but not for campaigning. Besides, I may not have any “pad” (post) today, but I have the “kad” (stature) that I can take care of myself.