Why politics? Especially after seeing such success in business.
I had planned to enter politics when I turned 40. By then I had planned to make my company a Rs 1000-2000 crore enterprise. But I simply could not take what is happening. So I advanced my plan by 12 years.
Initially I thought it was the lack of jobs that was a problem for the poor people. So I set about creating jobs within my company but then I realised the problem is politics. I want to help others create a hundred companies like mine, providing one lakh jobs each.
You can help create these companies otherwise too. Why do you want to do it through politics?
It is true that one has to work hard to progress in life, but it is not necessary that one is forced to progress only in an environment of hardship.
The environment is to blame. I meet young people all over the country and they have so many ideas and dreams but when they come out into the real world all their aspirations are trampled upon. I don’t get bogged down by these things but I cannot expect everyone to be like me.
If you look at the corruption index,
Why should any person vote for you?
Over the past 3 years I have met 3 lakh students over 300 days and have delivered 300 speeches all over the country. Why should I spend so much time on this? I believe I am creating social capital; someone out of those who I speak to might create a company and provide jobs to others.
What the public expect now is someone young and educated, who will work for the people. On the contrary, what you get are old politicians who are more interested in their families.
After IIM, I could have taken up a job. My family’s lifestyle would have improved immediately. But I did not and rather I started a business. Why? If the business failed it would be only my family that would be affected for 4-5 years but if the business succeeded then the families of all employees would benefit for the next 30 years. I am born to serve.
Why do you want to contest as an independent candidate? Why not join a political party?
All political parties claim that they want youngsters. If I join a political party now then it will be another 15 years by the time I rise to a position in the party when I can contest elections.
In another 15 years I won’t be a youngster anymore!
Then why not start a party on your own?
If I start a party people will think I am in it for the sake of politics and money. I am a strong candidate and I appeal to all irrespective of their background.
Vaiko is a strong candidate but the MDMK is his handicap. Similar problems are there with other smaller parties.
Do you think then that you can succeed against these major political parties? HOPE. I hope I can. If I become an MP it will be an example and people like me will stand in elections. It will give tremendous confidence to others to take up the challenge.
Now, as far as campaigning and grass roots organisation is concerned, can you match these parties?
Technology has given me the edge.
There is already an Orkut group and I will soon launch a website. I will begin emailing thousands of people.
Earlier not many were connected but now I can reach them cost-effectively through the Internet and cell phones.
Still, I need to meet people face to face. I will do door-to-door campaigning.
I have already met 10,000 people and have a large circle of friends of about 5000 people. Some of them have volunteered to be booth level workers.
I don’t think grass roots organizational support should be a problem.
And what of funds?
We are allowed to spend Rs 25 lakh.
I am already in the process of collecting donations. My promise is that not even one rupee for this election will come from my company and not one rupee from the campaign funds will go to my company.
No comments:
Post a Comment