If there is any problem related to Prayagraj (Allahabad) or its people, one grassroot politician who stands shoulder to shoulder with the masses is Congress leader Haseeb Ahmad. He not only brings to surface the problems of the city but he also lodges his protest on the matters which affect Uttar Pradesh or India.
From unemployment to India’s GDP contraction, Anurag Sason has an in-depth conversation with the Congress leader on a wide range of issues.
Here are important excerpts from the exclusive interview. Scroll down to watch the complete interview in Hindi. ( हिंदी में पूरा साक्षात्कार देखने के लिए नीचे स्क्रॉल करें।)
Q1 What is the biggest problem(s) in Prayagraj (Allahabad)?
Haseeb Ahmad: Unemployment and crime are the biggest problems in Allahabad. Different governments came but no one paid attention to these problems.
Q2 What is more important-construction of Ram temple/mosque or employment opportunities for youth?
Haseeb Ahmad: There is no problem in the construction of a temple or a mosque. If somebody wants, I am ready to even donate my home for this purpose but first, provide employment opportunities to youths.
Q3 In 2022, there will be state elections in Uttar Pradesh. Who could be the CM candidate from the Congress party?
Haseeb Ahmad: From my political experience I can say that we will fight the UP election under the leadership of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.
Q4 There is a political slugfest going between the Yogi Adityanath government and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra from the past some time. How do you see it?
Haseeb Ahmad: The presence of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in the state has shaken all the political parties. Her charisma has given a new zeal to the Congress workers in the state.
Q5 Do you think Congress will be able to give a tough fight to the BJP in UP?
Haseeb Ahmad: Congress’ vanvas in UP is over now. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has infused new energy in the party workers in UP. We will fight the election in UP on real issues.
Q6 Your comments on the GDP crisis.
Haseeb Ahmad: Indian economy started to tremble after 2014. India clocked above 10 per cent GDP growth under former Manmohan Singh’s tenure. But present Prime Minister Narendra Modi has brought down the GDP to-23.9%. It is very unfortunate in this country that people don’t talk about inflation unemployment and business crisis. All they talk about is caste and religion. Rahul Gandhi had already warned about this.
It is unfortunate that people don’t take the advice of Rahul Gandhi seriously and political parties make fun of him. Nose diving of GDP is a lesson for those who make fun of Rahul Gandhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi does Mann Ki Baat but not dhang ki baat. Prime Minister does his Mann Ki Baat but he never listens to mann ki baat of others.
Q7 You continuously worked to bring to surface issues that are troubling the people. Does your voice reach the party’s high command?
Haseeb Ahmad: Every grassroot Congress worker tries to make his/her voice heard. There are many channels for it. For the first time, I demanded that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra should join politics and now she has been taking care of the Uttar Pradesh. Now I feel that my penance bore fruit.
Q8 Former President of India Pranab Mukherjee is no more. Your comments on this.
Haseeb Ahmad: Pranab Mukherjee was a great politician. He worked with great leaders like late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. My deepest condolences.
WATCH FULL INTERVIEW:
About the author: Anurag Sason is journalist with more than 7 years of experience in mainstream journalism. He has worked in newspaper, news agency, TV and digital media. Presently, he is working as Senior Editor-News in Likee app. He tweets at @AnuragSason
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Disclaimer: Interview is taken in personal capacity
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