Interview of Suryakant Shinge, People’s candidate from Mumbai South Constituency contd...

Q: People’s candidates seldom get elected to the Parliament in our country. What are you hoping to achieve by standing in these elections?
A: It is not just a question of winning the elections. If I win, I will certainly raise the voice of the people in parliament; the media will report some of it. But by itself, that will not be enough, because the way the system works, the ruling party or coalition, as well as the opposition, consists of representatives of the ruling class. That is why you see that as far as the essentials go, there is no difference between them.

My standing is a part of the fight to overhaul this political process. Win or lose, I will continue to fight against the attacks of the ruling class and for the people's agenda. Participating in elections at this stage is like opening the door a crack, to let in the light. Most of the people have no hope, and that is why they do not vote. I want to carry the message that people have to get politically active, fight for a new politics, not just wait for a messiah or magician.

I have found that standing for a good program does enthuse people. I have got a good response wherever people know about my candidacy.

Q: Do you have any plans beyond the election?
A: From my early twenties, I have been fighting for the rights of garment workers and then for all types of contract workers. As my political understanding grew, I realised that the problems faced by contract workers is one symptom of the disease that affects our society. The symptom will get cured if the root is pulled out. I have to fight for a new vision, and I have done that.

Q: What is this vision that you speak of?
A: My vision is of a society in which there is no form of exploitation, terror, oppression, and inequalities and no politics that divide the people and limit their role to that of being vote banks. The most important fight - one in which I am actively involved - is for renewal of the political process – so as to enable the people to become the rulers and decision makers regarding all important affairs of society. An important goal is to replace the existing system of democracy with a new system and political process. Any candidate who wishes to stand for election must be selected by and answerable to the people of the Constituency, through the Lok Raj Samitis. Through such samitis, people can propose laws and recall those elected at any time, when they are found unsuitable.

We have to organise working people to play an active and leading role in replacing the existing exploitative system with one that guarantees prosperity and protection for all citizens without discrimination or exception.

Q: What will you do for the people of your constituency, if elected?
A: My constituency has a large number of workers living in ‘chawls’ and slums. At one time this area was called ‘girangaon’ – textile city- but all the mills have been closed down, workers have been thrown out of their jobs and their homes. Permanent jobs have turned contractual. Garment workers are worse off – they work on piece rate only. I want to fight for all of them so their jobs are secure and permanent; their homes cannot be taken away or demolished under any excuse; they get all dues and compensation, at least as per law. I will fight for water and ‘safsafai’ (cleanliness) for all slums and chawls in my area. I will insist that ration shops provide enough good quality tandul (rice), wheat and rockel (kerosene) to everybody who needs these necessities.

I will organize people against organizations and their leaders creating ‘phut’ (divisions) among people and creating fights between themselves. A large number of Muslims of my constituency have suffered. Recently, people from North India were targeted.

I will spend all the funds available to me after consulting my constituency members and give them an account of money spent.