K L Sharma interview: ‘Amethi victory earned by Gandhi family… SP played a big role, its cadre walked shoulder to shoulder with me’

“I just have a certain style of functioning and I will not change that. For me, humility and service to the people come first and I will continue to do that,” Congress leader tells The Indian Express after defeating Smriti Irani by 1.67 lakh votes.

Congress candidate from Amethi constituency Kishori Lal Sharma with other leaders of the INDIA alliance during a roadshow. (PTI Photo)

On his way to receive his victory certificate, the Congress’s Amethi MP K L Sharma tells The Indian Express that he never imagined he would represent the constituency where he arrived in 1983 as a Youth Congress representative to work for former PM Rajiv Gandhi.

Crediting the “Gandhi family” and the “people of Amethi” for the victory, Sharma says that neither did he say a word about Union Minister Smriti Irani, his opponent whom he defeated by 1.67 lakh votes, during the campaign nor will he do it now.

Excerpts:

* What are the first reactions to your victory?

I see this victory as one earned by the Gandhi family and the people of Amethi. This is the Gandhi family’s seat. I am thankful they placed their trust in me and the people of Amethi supported me. As far as representing this seat is concerned, never in my life or dreams had I thought that one day I would become an MP from this seat.

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* Will you now stay back in Amethi or make periodic visits as before?

I have worked in Amethi for four decades. I have been here and will stay here. Not only will my office be open for the people of my constituency but I will get down to the field for them in their time of need. I will be here all the time for them. There will be no difference in what I say and what I do. I will make time so that anyone can visit me during that time. I will keep my gates open for them.

Also Read | In Amethi, Gandhi family loyalist on the verge of defeating Smriti Irani: Who is K L Sharma?

* Although you didn’t mention Irani in your campaign, you did say after winning that humility, not arrogance, will prevail in Amethi. Any message for your opponent?

She is a woman and the Congress, as well as I personally, respect women. In my entire campaign, I did not make any comment on her nor will I say anything now. I am grateful to the Gandhi family for trusting me and to the people of Amethi for expressing their faith. I just have a certain style of functioning and I will not change that. For me, humility and service to the people come foremost and I will continue to do that.

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* In 1996, you took charge of campaigning in Amethi along with a young Priyanka Gandhi, when Sonia Gandhi first contested. In this election, Priyanka took charge of your campaign. Do you feel the alliance with SP also worked in your favour?

It was her (Priyanka) greatness. She took charge of this constituency along with Rae Bareli. Rahul (Gandhi) ji also came to campaign for me. Even Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge came. I am grateful I received support from all ends. The SP also played a big role in the victory as its cadre walked shoulder to shoulder with me during the campaign for which I had little time as my candidature was declared at the last moment.

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