15NOVEMBER 2024
Interview by Mohammed Rehaan,
In the Shivaji Nagar Mankhurd Assembly constituency, the candidate from the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, Mohammad Siraj Shaikh, has posed a strong challenge to traditional political leaders. His campaign promises, focusing on public welfare and development, have brought Muslim and Hindu communities together, causing concern for other candidates. In this exclusive interview, we discuss Shaikh’s election manifesto, his goals, and public expectations.
Question:
Mr. Shaikh, your campaign has drawn considerable attention across the constituency. What is it about your campaign that has brought together both Muslim and Hindu communities?
Answer:
My life’s mission is to solve the issues faced by ordinary people, regardless of their background. I’ve prioritized issues like closing the Deonar dumping ground, providing public amenities, and offering free marriage halls for underprivileged girls. These are issues that deeply affect people’s lives, and they transcend caste and religion because they’re rights for everyone.
Question:
What are the main points in your manifesto that have captivated people?
Answer:
We have focused on the following key points:
- Closing the Deonar dumping ground and shutting down the SMS company.
- Providing a free marriage hall for underprivileged girls and additional facilities for women and seniors.
- Setting up public contact offices on every road to ensure people’s voices are heard.
- Free water connections, clean public toilets, and timely garbage collection.
- Employment and business guidance for youth, parks for seniors, and well-equipped playgrounds for children.
Question:
Are these promises just on paper, or are you prepared to bring them to reality?
Answer:
These promises aren’t just words. Our commitment is to accomplish in two years what hasn’t been done in the last fifteen. We’ve developed specific plans for every community and have a detailed roadmap for implementation. We will set up camps for government schemes in every neighborhood to ensure that people benefit fully from them.
Question:
Are you also addressing the issue of substance abuse?
Answer:
Yes, we plan to send individuals dealing with substance abuse to rehab centers, with all costs covered by our organization. We are committed to taking strong action against those involved in drug trafficking to ensure public safety.
Question:
Are there any special facilities you’re providing for the people?
Answer:
To improve public health services, we’re planning to bring quality hospitals on par with KEM, Sion, and JJ hospitals to this area. Additionally, we’ll create playgrounds for children, parks for seniors, and develop paved roads and drainage systems throughout the constituency.
Question:
If elected, what will be your first step?
Answer:
My first step will be to establish a Police-Public Coordination Committee to foster direct communication between the public and the police. My primary objective will be to address public issues promptly and work towards the progress of society as a whole.
Mohammad Siraj Shaikh has shown the people of Shivaji Nagar Mankhurd a vision of a better life. If this community-supported campaign succeeds, it will mark the beginning of a new era of development for the area.