Well, the heart has its reasons," said Dr Anil Kumar, 68, cardiologist at Bombay Hospital, when asked why he had thrown his hat into the political fray. The doctor is contesting the Lok Sabha elections from the Mumbai South constituency as a candidate of Prakash Ambedkar and Asaduddin Owaisi's coalition, the Vanchit Bahujan Aaghadi (VBA), with the cup and saucer as its symbol.

Speaking about why he chose to align with VBA, Dr Kumar said, "I first thought of contesting as an independent candidate. I was also inclined towards fighting from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) but the party was not contesting. I thought I would stand a better chance with a political party behind me, and I would also have support. When Prakash Ambedkar offered me a ticket, I took it," said Dr Kumar.