Mahua Moitra: ‘I have eight years of development (in my seat). And I speak up in Parliament. I will continue to do those things in new term’

After her disqualification from Parliament in a cash-for-query case last December, Mahua Moitra, the TMC’s Krishnanagar nominee, is fighting a prestige battle in this election. In an interview with The Indian Express, she says the disqualification has not dampened her fight, speaks of the case, and claims she will defeat the BJP’s Amrita Roy (belonging to the erstwhile royal family of the area) by over one lakh votes. Excerpts:

* You were first associated with the Congress, but then joined the TMC. Why the transition?

I was idealistic and committed. I came to India (after working abroad) for the Aam Aadmi ka Sipahi programme (of Rahul Gandhi, to identify leaders at the ground level).

I moved to the TMC much before 2011, and had no clue about it coming to power in West Bengal. So, none of my decisions have been decisions of the head but of the spirit and the heart. I think when you follow your heart, then you carry your dedication with you.

I am enjoying it (the campaign and politics). You can’t do it day in and day out (otherwise). Like that day, someone asked me, ‘Mahua, you shake people’s hands, you wear dark glasses, you pick up children… Do you do it for the optics?’ Can one do this for merely the optics day in day out?

Before this, I did the panchayat (worked in the panchayat elections).

* You are the TMC’s Nadia district president and a Lok Sabha candidate… How does it work?

I am the district president, manager and also the campaigner. All I can say is that it comes easily to me because I have a very process-oriented mind. I am a mathematician by training. And this is where I thank my investment banking background.

* The CBI recently raided your homes in Kolkata and Kareempur.

I am not my parents’ daughter for nothing.