Pathan asserted that people need change in Berhampore as several essential things are needed to be done at the grassroots.
Berhampore is witnessing a high-octane election canvassing with three high-profile candidates from the TMC, Congress, and BJP in the fray. The state-ruling party TMC has fielded cricketer-turned-politician Yusuf Pathan against the Congress state president and five-time sitting MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, while the BJP has fielded Dr. Nirmal Kumar Saha.
In an exclusive interview with The Sunday Guardian, TMC candidate and World Cup winner cricketer Yusuf Pathan said that he was inspired by the Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, and her commitment to the state. He said, “Her development and welfare work inspired me a lot, and as soon as I got the chance to be a part of her team and bring change for the people of Bengal, I joined politics.”
Q: What inspired you to join politics?
A: Just one week before the announcement of the Lok Sabha election, I decided to join politics, and I chose TMC because they gave me an offer to join the party. I contemplated a lot before joining. I have been visiting this place since 2008, and always heard about Mamata Banerjee and her work in West Bengal. I got inspired by her work done for girls, women, transport, and roads built by her. Since 2008, whenever I came to Bengal, I heard something new and witnessed the changes made by her. So when I got the chance to become a part of this development, I accepted it. I always find myself connected with Bengal.
Q: What are your preparations for the polls?
A: It is true that I am not a politician; my background is not like that. But when I think about it, Bengal needs people who work for them. My thoughts are clear and I know how to first to fix a problem. My aim will always be to give people whatever I can, whether I am a politician or not; it doesn’t matter. As long as you work for people, they will like you.
Q: How will you tackle your opponent, who is a five-time incumbent MP?
A: I am not thinking about him at all. I respect him and all other political leaders because they have been working for so long. But in Berhampore, people need change. And many necessary things for people’s welfare are not happening here. I have seen this in their eyes and their body language. They need someone to work for them and understand their demands. I will talk about development. How can we develop and improve things? Our Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, has done an exemplary job for the women by giving them monthly pocket money (Lakhi Bhandar). The roads are also in good shape in Bengal. I will focus on the work that I can do better.
Q: What’s your plan for Berhampore?
A: There are several things to be carried out in Behrampur. As I said, the government of Mamata Banerjee has done a remarkable job here.
I would like to establish a sports academy here. As a sportsperson, I would like the next generation to be involved in sports as well. Because the industry here is good and we can improve it. Since I came here, I have heard and seen a lot of things. The art in general is great here especially work of thermocol and jute is very good. The agriculture here is also very good, but there is a room to improve the storage facilities. However, a sports academy would be my first choice.
Q: How many seats will TMC win this time?
A: TMC will win all 42 seats in West Bengal, and I am confident about it. TMC has done a great job on the ground.