Bhushan Patil interview: ‘No such thing as strong seat…will emerge as giant killer’ | Mumbai News - The Indian Express
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Bhushan Patil interview: ‘No such thing as strong seat…will emerge as giant killer’

"I am going to fight this election as a common worker who promises to be available for locals for 24 hours," said Mumbai Congress vice-president Bhushan Patil

Bhushan Patil Mumbai Congress MaharashtraCongress leader and candidate from Mumbai North constituency Bhushan Patil with meet Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray before filing nomination for the Lok Sabha elections, in Mumbai, Thursday, May 2, 2024. (PTI Photo)

Mumbai Congress vice-president Bhushan Patil, a relative newcomer to electoral politics who will face Union Minister Piyush Goyal in Mumbai North, deemed to be a BJP bastion, tells Alok Deshpande about his plans to make inroads into the constituency and why he fancies himself as a prospective giant killer.

How do you see your chance in this election as you are pitted against a Union minister from one of the strongest seats for the BJP?

There is no such thing as a strongest seat in an election. I am a local, son of soil, who has spent 32 years in this region. Mumbai North’s former MP Gopal Shetty too had won from here because he was a local and worked hard for the people. I have risen up in the Congress party through NSUI, worked in this area and hence my leadership has acknowledged my contribution. I do not have a Rajya Sabha seat to back me up neither I come from an influential political family. I am going to fight this election as a common worker who promises to be available for locals for 24 hours.

Is it a Marathi versus Gujarati election in north Mumbai?

Absolutely not. We should come out of this divisive politics. Some create Hindu-Muslim controversy. Some make Marathi-Gujarati. I am a local who has good relations with each and every community in this area. I have worked for every community on every issue as my office remains open always for all and I meet them without appointments.

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How important is the alliance with Sena UBT in this seat?

I have an extremely cordial relationship with Vinod Ghosalkar and the entire Shiv Sena family. The region has a strong Sena network. The Congress has one MLA. It is going to be a team effort in this election and you will see me emerging as a giant killer on June 4.

What issues are going to be raised by you?

Railways is one of the key areas which need improvement in this constituency. Look at the railway stations which face traffic jams. The constituency also needs a super speciality hospital. Mangrove conservation is also a need of the hour. Along with these local issues, the major issues like unemployment, inflation faced by the entire nation will be part of my campaign.

First uploaded on: 02-05-2024 at 21:37 IST
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