In a freewheeling chat, NCP leader Supriya Sule tells Chandran Iyer about her expectations from the LS elections, her role model in politics, and the pride in contesting from her father Sharad Pawar's former constituency Baramati
In a freewheeling chat, NCP leader Supriya Sule tellsu00a0Chandran Iyer about her expectations from the LS elections, her role model in politics, and the pride in contesting from her father Sharad Pawar's former constituencyu00a0Baramati
Your father has been representing Baramati for over two decades now. And now that you are carrying forward the legacy, how's the feeling?
It's definitely a big responsibility, as Baramati is considered to be one of the top constituencies in India. And I feel honoured that my party has asked me to contest from here.
Was it your decision to contest elections from Baramati or did your father ask you to do so?
It wasn't my decision at all, but that of the party.
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As people have much expectations from you, does that make you nervous?
Not at all. I am aware of the expectations and I'm confident that people will support me. Development has been our agenda for the past 40 years and we have been doing a fabulous work. All I want to do is continue the good work that we have been doing since long.
The younger bunch of politicians believes in change and has a different mindset. So when you become an MP, what would you want to change?
Although good work has been done in the Baramati constituency, there's always a room to implement new ideas for the betterment of the people. My father is a visionary and he has thought 25 years ahead of his time. He has developed the constituency quite well and I just want to continue the good work. Also, my focus will be more on education.
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It is believed that BJP is planning to pitch celebrity politicians like Hema Malini or Smriti Irani against you. Does that scare you?
I know both of them quite well and Hema Malini is with me in the Rajya Sabha. There's no need for me to panic and we'll see who the people support.
Your grandmother and your father have been seasoned politicians. Did you father give you with any special lessons or tips to excel in politics?
I have been learning not just from my father, but from all the senior political leaders. I have even learnt a few things from my brother Ajit Pawar.
It's often said that there's a rift between you and Ajit because even though he's senior, it's you who gets the preference?
There's no comparison between him and me. He has been into politics for 25 years, while I am merely four years old. And in life what really counts is the experience. Like several other people in the party, even he's much more experienced than me and there aren't any problems between us.
Does politics interest your husband as well?
Not exactly, but he has been quite supportive.
People say that you are very proud of your wealth?
Yes, I am and I believe that there's nothing wrong in it. I pay my taxes and hence, I have no reasons to worry.
Sharad Pawar is known for his beyond-the-partyline friendship with BJP leaders and even Bal Thackeray. Is it the same case with you as well?
Yes, just like my father him, even I am friends with leaders of all the political parties.
Apart from you father whom do you admire and consider your role model in politics?
Well, it's former primer minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.
People believe that Sharad Pawar has fair chances of being the next prime minister.
I can't say much about it. It's better that we wait and see how things shape up after the polls.
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