I'll strive to achieve dad's goal of 24x7 water for Latur: Amit Deshmukh

Despite having brand Vilasrao Deshmukh with you, Congress suffered setback in the Lok Sabha polls. Where did the calculations go wrong?
It was not a case of calculations going wrong. We could see voters' inclination (towards a certain party) across the country. Latur too was not an exception. Despite all of us making huge efforts, results were unexpected. We won't see a repeat of such a trend now though.

Unlike your father, you are alleged of being not approachable. This was considered as one of the factors that caused defeat of Congress' Lok Sabha candidate from Latur.
No, it was not like that. There is this whispering campaign going on about it. When people don't have anything (substantial) to say, they resort to whispering to tarnish your image. I meet scores of people daily, which one can come and see. So, such a campaign doesn't make any sense.

People from your party too say so…
I don't believe in such things. I am not aware from where such things crop up. So, I can't comment on them.

Latur has an airport, rail connectivity and flyovers to show infrastructural development. But the ongoing assembly poll is still being fought on water shortage and other such issues. Where has local leadership lacked?
We do have a system in place to supply water. But this region receives less rainfall. If we get adequate showers, there will be no issue related to supply. But we will have to look for another source of water, even if distantly located.

What is your agenda?
We have managed to provide basic amenities required in a city. But people have bigger expectations. They want 24x7 water supply, waste-free city, installation of CCTVs for security, gardens and playgrounds, study centres, auditoriums, multi-level car parking, universities, job opportunities, etc. We want to develop these facilities and have a plan for that.

Any of your father's incomplete work you want to complete?
He had managed to get things done. But one thing he had on mind was a plan for a 24x7 water supply system here. We will strive for achieving that goal.