FIRST TIMERS
‘I follow a policy of inclusion’
Photo: PTI
All for development: Manoj Tiwari.
Five years ago, he could have walked down the streets of Connaught Place without being recognised. Today, when Manoj Tiwari comes to Gorakhpur, a small town of Uttar Pradesh, thousands — maybe lakhs — turn up to listen. Five years ago his first film was released. And “Sasura Bada Paise Wala” turned the Bhojpuri film industry around. Now he has had more than 50 releases. Secular forces across the country are expecting him to use a similar magic wand, as he seeks to dislodge three-time sitting MP, Mahant Aditya Nath from Gorakhpur constituency. Turning out to be a prized campaigner for the Samajwadi Party, he outlines his plans for the constituency and a lot more, in easy-to-understand Hindi mixed with Bhojpuri.
You are the next big hope for secular forces in Gorakhpur. How do you look at the task ahead?
I like it when people say I represent the secular forces of the country. I like it that people expect big things from me. I am confident I won’t let them down. Main ummeed par khara utrunga. Aese mera vishwas hai.
BJP’s Mahant Aditya Nath is a three-time MP from Gorakhpur and has managed to appeal to people with his brand of politics…
His is politics of exclusion. I follow a policy of inclusion. Mahant is an emotional blackmailer who provokes local boys and girls with his words. But he has not taken any concrete action. It is among the most backward of places. There are no avenues for employment. When talented people have to go to Mumbai or Delhi for a job, you know the infrastructure is missing. You cannot be dishonest to the land that raised you, the soil that gives you food to eat and water to drink. Where was Mahant when people from U.P. and Bihar were being targeted in Maharashtra? I am trying to make the youth understand that divisive politics hampers development. If, not just Gorakhpur, but entire Purvaanchal is backward, it is because of politics of religion and caste. You cannot leave one segment behind as you grow.
There have been massive audiences to listen to you. Yet, this does not always translate into votes.
I am confident that my talks will enlighten young voters. They will realise the challenge before us and the urgent need to defeat politics of caste or religion. I have addressed more than 400 jan sabha (mass rallies) in and around Gorakhpur. I am also going to address more rallies in Lucknow, Maharajganj in U.P. besides those in Bihar and Maharashtra. But yes, I am often told good turn-out at the rally is no guarantee of a vote. I ask: if a man is ready to wait for three hours under the scorching sun to see and listen to me, why won’t he vote for me? And yes, the people who listen to me cannot forget me. I am the only star politician who sings songs of corruption and inflation. I sing kajri, biraha. I am the first one to do so in the election campaign.
Your film “Sasura Bada Paisa Wala” turned around the fortunes of the Bhojpuri film industry. Does not your constituency need more of the same magic?
Gorakhpur needs urgent attention. Development is nil. There are issues of sanitation and health. Not just Gorakhpur, but the entire belt seems to be lagging behind in the process of development. We need to give roads, hospitals, schools. And provide avenues for employment so that the youth can stay in the town and earn a livelihood.
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