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Congress candidate Suresh Kalmadi speaks to Vivek Sabnis about his allies, opponents and plans as MP
Even though NCP chief Sharad Pawar has asked his party workers to support you, his nephew Ajit Pawar does not seem to favour you.
It does not matter to me as long as the senior Pawar is campaigning for me. Also, I am happy with the way several NCP leaders have supported me. I must say, the NCP has kept its word.
It's said that you personally called Ajit Pawar to attend the meetings?
We had been trying to communicate with him, as he is a part of our tie-up. However, it doesn't make much of a difference as the senior Pawar has participated in all the six public meetings organised in Pune.
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Hum saath saath hain: Suresh Kalmadi with Sharad Pawar during a rally in Pune. | With BSP candidate D S Kulkarni and former IPS officer Vikram Bokey campaigning vigorously, don't you think winning Pune will not be an easy nut to crack?
Apart from the BJP candidate, I don't consider anyone as a threat. Puneities know me and have seen my work.
How's your election campaign going on?
I have just released a joint manifesto for Pune, in which we (Congress, NCP and RPI) have outlined several programmes for the betterment of the city. I am meeting people, conducting road shows, jeep yatras and am also in touch with the voters through the electronic media.
But what is new in your manifesto? Your opponents are criticising it in their campaigns.
It is certainly not an old wine in a new bottle. We are focussing more on development and generating employment for the youth. Also, our manifesto reflects the ideas and aspirations of Punekars. We had made this manifesto by taking creative inputs from several NGOs and veteran Puneites like Mohan Dhariya, Bhai Vaidya, Gen Jatar and Anita Beninzer.
Your manifesto highlights the work done by the PMC. Comment.
It's untrue. All the big projects require money and as an MP, I am doing everything to get the funds from the centre. It is my duty to see that each major project should is completed as per schedule.
What is your vision for Pune in 2020?
I have a time-bound plan for the next 11 years. It's called 'Vision 2020' wherein I'll make Pune the most prefferred destination for sports, IT industry, education and other sectors. | 
