Ravidas Mehrotra, 66, a three-time MLA is contesting against BJP’s stalwart and union defence minister Rajnath Singh on Lucknow Lok Sabha seat. The alumnus of University of Lucknow spoke on his candidature, campaign and winning strategy in an interview to the Hindustan Times.Q: You are contesting against sitting MP and union defence minister and BJP is putting all effort to retain the seat. Your take?

A: I am contesting against an MP who never spent a night in his constituency. I am a resident of Lucknow, and he (Rajnath Singh) is not. Lucknow residents had even put up posters ‘Lapata Sansad’ (missing MP) during Covid pandemic when patients were looking for him and could not find him. He even skipped coming to funeral of BJP leaders who died in recent past. It is local vs. outsider on Lucknow Lok Sabha seat, and I am sure of winning it.

Q: If you become MP, what would you do for the people of Lucknow?A: Outer ring road is my priority which Rajnath Singh could not complete during his tenure. Our leaders have promised jobs to youth and financial support to women, and I will ensure the benefit reaches to eligible people in Lucknow too. Our (SP) government brought metro rail to Lucknow but the BJP MP could not add even an inch to it. AS an MP, I will ensure the metro goes through old city area too where it is required the most. Also, the 27 drains that go directly into the Gomti will be passed through sewage treatment plants.