01 April,2009 12:53 PM IST | | Amit Kumar
Says two time BJP MP Chetan Chauhan who is contesting on the party ticket from East Delhi. The cricketer-turned politician is pitted against Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit's son Sandeep
He is known as one of the most courageous opening batsman India has produced and with Sunil Gavaskar formed the finest opening pair but for Chetan Chauhan politics is a bit more demanding than scoring runs and running between the wickets. Twice elected to the Parliament as a BJP candidate from Amroha, Uttar Pradesh, Chauhan is now contesting from East Delhi. Pitted against the son of the incumbent chief minister, the former cricketer says he will play the challenge on the front foot. In an exclusive interview to MiD DAY, Chauhan whose first scoring stroke was a square cut for fouru00a0played a meticulous innings.
Excerpts
BJP MP Chetan Chauhan
Do you see any similarities between cricket and politics?
As a batsman on the crease you can control things, your shots but in politics not much is in your hands. You deal with just bat and ball in cricket while it is the people in politics. So, I feel politics is a more strenuous job. It requires a lot of time as compared to a cricket match which is over in a limited time.
How your training in cricket helped you in politics?
Well, there are lots of things like patience, hard work, perseverance, sincerity, team spirit. Plus in sports, you always play to win. Hard work, dedication and the spirit to win which one associates in sports are all an advantage in politics.u00a0
It's a strange coincidence that most cricketer-turned politicians are all batsmen Sidhu, Azharuddin, Kirti Azad and you. Your comments?
I can only say that it might be because it is a batsman who gets the lion's share of attention in cricket. They are more popular, they are bigger stars. Cricket is a game of batsman. Bowlers of course get publicity but cricket is dominated by batsman and maybe that is the probable reason why batsmen remain more in the public eye. It is also a chance that no bowlers are there in the political arena.
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Senior politicians like LK Advani have started blogs to woo the young voters. Do you also plan to start your blog?
Yes, I may start blogging by tomorrow (Wednesday). Then whenever I will get time, I will assess the public response and feedback.
Youth forms the major chunk of the electorate in Delhi. How would you woo them?
As a sportsman I will forever remain young. The youth will definitely support me. I have been to most of the cricket academies in Delhi. I have been associated with them and visited lots of schools and colleges as chief guest. I have always been interacting with the youth. During my public meetings in the last few days the response from the youth in my constituency is very encouraging. They talked to me and I signed autographs for them.
Your rival Sandeep Dikshit is the son of chief minister Sheila Dikshit who won a third term in the last assembly polls. Are you doing special preparations?
Assembly elections are a closed chapter now. This is a fresh election, a new election. The anti-incumbency factor will work in my favour. He (Dikshit) has done nothing significant in the constituency and thus the anti-incumbency against him will work for me. I have a clean image and my political career is free from any controversy. It is another advantage that will work in my favour.
How do you relax after the hectic schedules during elections?
I don't really relax during the elections. I work really hard and sleep for only three-four hours a day. I will relax only after May 7, once the election is over.
What kind of music do you enjoy?
Though I don't get much time for it now, but I listen to Bollywood songs, soft music and enjoy watching television. I also listen to religious songs in the morning. My favourite singer is Lata Mangeshkar. I watch movies only occasionally. For the moment it is only elections and elections, planning and strategy.
Are you a foodie?
Yes, of course. I have a weakness for food but I try and control myself. I love tandoori dishes. I am a non-vegetarian except on Tuesdays.
