You opposed the tender policy framed for the major projects of city. Does that mean your allies (the state government) wanted to favour big contractors?
I am a part of the government but that does not mean that I should keep silent on the merits or demerits of all its policies.

According to the new policy, the projects were to be awarded to only those contractors who had a budget of Rs 25 crore. This was not acceptable to us as it would have favoured the big fish and delayed the projects as well — one contractor cannot do justice to projects worth Rs 25 crore.

After our opposition, the policy was changed to allot projects on a single-tender basis.

You have been nicknamed the “Mouthpiece of the Mayor’ because you frequently speak on his behalf. Do you agree?
I don’t agree with this statement at all. At times, the mayor is busy and I may clarify an issue on his behalf. But otherwise he knows his subjects well.

Corruption is a part of the Municipal Corporation’s day-to-day working. It is impossible for a common man to even get an official’s signature on a form without greasing his palm. Even under your rule, nothing has changed.
There is no doubt that corruption is rampant in almost every department of the corporation.

On our part, we are organising regular sangat darshan programmes to help the people.

But I believe officials and even councillors should act as facilitators for the masses rather than filling their pockets.

What are your plans for the city?
100 per cent computerisation of every department in the Municipal Corporation — this is my dream and I am sure the project will be completed within this term.

What are your hobbies?
Although I don’t have much free time, I am fond of reading and prefer reading articles on social issues.