K L Sharma interview: ‘Amethi victory earned by Gandhi family… SP played a big role, its cadre walked shoulder to shoulder with me’

On his way to receive his victory certificate, the Congress’s Amethi MP K L Sharma tells The Indian Express that he never imagined he would represent the constituency where he arrived in 1983 as a Youth Congress representative to work for former PM Rajiv Gandhi.

Crediting the “Gandhi family” and the “people of Amethi” for the victory, Sharma says that neither did he say a word about Union Minister Smriti Irani, his opponent whom he defeated by 1.67 lakh votes, during the campaign nor will he do it now.

Excerpts:

* What are the first reactions to your victory?

I see this victory as one earned by the Gandhi family and the people of Amethi. This is the Gandhi family’s seat. I am thankful they placed their trust in me and the people of Amethi supported me. As far as representing this seat is concerned, never in my life or dreams had I thought that one day I would become an MP from this seat.

* Will you now stay back in Amethi or make periodic visits as before?

I have worked in Amethi for four decades. I have been here and will stay here. Not only will my office be open for the people of my constituency but I will get down to the field for them in their time of need. I will be here all the time for them. There will be no difference in what I say and what I do. I will make time so that anyone can visit me during that time. I will keep my gates open for them.

* Although you didn’t mention Irani in your campaign, you did say after winning that humility, not arrogance, will prevail in Amethi. Any message for your opponent?

She is a woman and the Congress, as well as I personally, respect women. In my entire campaign, I did not make any comment on her nor will I say anything now. I am grateful to the Gandhi family for trusting me