3 min readKolkataApr 29, 2015 12:55 AM IST
First published on: Apr 29, 2015 at 12:55 AM IST
Actor-turned BJP leader Rupa Ganguly.
Following BJP’s dismal performance in the municipal elections, actor-turned party leader Rupa Ganguly speaks to Arshad Ali on her way back from Rajpur-Sonarpur Municipality, reflecting on the future course of action for the saffron party in the state.
How would you react to the civic election results?
This is what I was expecting, given the incidents of violence, rigging and booth capturing during and after the elections. I came to my municipal area to tell my party workers and the district president that there was nothing to be disheartened about.
Had it been a fair and free election, results would have been a lot different. Trinamool Congress had ensured that not even one ward was won by the BJP as this is the municipality I belong to.
As an active politician, how was your experience in the first election?
I have been an observer as an actor and this time too, I have made several observations. This sort of vote culture was not known to me. That, I believe will work to my advantage because I will not like my party to follow THE same route to win a poll. I have not joined politics for fun. I take it as seriously as my acting profession.
What kind of changes would you like to see in the 2016 Assembly elections ?
The Assembly polls will be under the Election Commission of India (ECI), which means there will be a whole shift of power. I genuinely believe that we will perform well next year.
Are you thinking of quitting BJP?
The question does not arise. I would rather hope to perform consistently and stay connected with the masses. That itself will bring voters in my favour.
People have been talking about a secret pact between TMC leader Mukul Roy and senior BJP leaders to keep the CBI away from him and in turn, he will break TMC from within. What are your thoughts on that?
I have also heard that the Mamata-Mukul face-off is a drama. I will not believe or comment on things that I don’t have convincing proofs about.
There are also talks about a settlement between BJP and TMC, under which CBI operations here will be slowed down and in return, TMC will not oppose the Bills at the Rajya Sabha…
These things are way beyond the level I operate. I am not authorised to react to these. I have been given the responsibility to guide the youth which I am focussed on.
Actor-turned BJP leader Rupa Ganguly.
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