April 27 2016, 18.34 PM IST || Pocket News Alert
As the West Bengal state election moves into the last lap, BJP leader and Union Minister Babul Supriyo on Wednesday struck a confident tone, saying that his party like a true player is playing to win but is not arrogant announce any gain before the match has ended.
In a freewheeling interaction with Aaj Tak at Paschim Bangal panchayat event, Supriyo, 45, who shot to fame in Bollywood with songs like Dil Ne Dil Ko Pukara and Hum Tum, said: "Every players plays to win. Nobody wants to lose. We are fighting to win. We are telling voters in Bengal that this is the right time to give BJP a chance.
Mission BJP is a serious job."
Talking about the controversial Jhalmuri meeting with TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee for which he faced some flak from his own party members, Supriyo said: "It was a chance meeting. She asked me to sit in her car and we went near Victoria Memorial and had jhalmuri, the meeting went on very well. It was very successful. I had wanted to meet her for a long time for four tasks but unfortunately they were
not happening. India has a federal structure. What is wrong in me a Union Minister and a Chief Minister meeting? If we don't use our time productively, the only loser is the public."
In a tongue and cheek manner, the singer-turned-politician said that he is yet to graduate in the subject of politics and called himself a student. "Even for graduation, you need 3 years, I am learning. We must understand that the youth wants different types of politics. We must deliver that."
Humming the lines 'Lamhon Ki Guzarish Hai Ye, Paas Aa Jayein Hum, Hum Tum, Tum,Hum Tum' in an oblique reference to Congress and CPI(M) alliance in Bengal, Supriyo said that he has learnt how to handle different demands from people. "When I was a singer, people used to request songs. As a politician, I get demands like water supply, building a bridge etc. Without having the full power, I cannot help people. For instance, the tea gardens problem in North Bengal cannot be solved by BJP without having power. We are not telling people that we can solve their problem by being a minister. But if you vote BJP to power in the state, we will sincerely try to solve the problem."
Asked about who would be the chief minister if BJP manages to win the ongoing polls, Supriyo in a cheeky manner said "There are two times in a man's life when he should not speculate: when he can't afford it, and when he can. This has been said by a famous personality. This is my answer to your CM question."