DNA INTERVIEW: She’s a queen and lives in palace, I’m here, says Gulnaz Bano

Gulnaz Bano is navigating the narrow lanes of Ladpura on foot. Wife of Congress leader Naimuddin Guddoo, Bano as she is popularly called, is being escorted by a team of dedicated aides who worked with her husband and now walk by her side during her door-to-door campaign. Naimuddin was not given ticket this time because of consecutive defeats in last two elections. Dressed in a white salwar suit, she gracefully walks around with folded hands. She touches feet of elders, meets the womenfolk, and speaks about their welfare. DNA caught up with her in Dhakadkhedi, Ladpura, on Tuesday. Excerpts:

You are a new candidate in this constituency. How are you mapping the area?

Though, I am contesting for the first time, my husband has been working in this constituency for last 15 years. I have been going with him to all places and I am well versed with this constituency. We are working as a team and he is very much involved in these polls as well. He is covering the ground in places where I am unable to travel.

What are the main issues of this constituency?

There are many issues in this constituency. If I start telling, it will take a whole day. The biggest is the troubles of the farmers. They are not happy. In cities, people are unhappy with the steep rates of petrol and cooking gas. Their budget has gone haywire. These people (BJP) have done nothing in the last 15 years in this area. Then, there is the problem of drinking water. We hope to resolve this, once we win the elections in the state.

How do you rate your rival candidate, BJP’s Kalpana Devi?

She is a Maharani (queen), She will sit in her palace after winning. I will be here amidst the public, with them.

What will be the effect of BJP not giving ticket to Bhawani Singh Rajawat this time?

With Rajawat (Sitting MLA) upset, this battle has turned into a fight of Rajput vs Rajput. This will help us win the elections in Ladpura.