MLA NA Haris with his son Mohd Nalapad Haris during a rally at Jogpali in Shantinagar constituency, Bengaluru in 2018. , Photo credit: Sudhakara Jain
Shantinagar MLA Nalapad Ahmad Haris, who is now seeking a fourth consecutive term from the same seat representing the Congress, says people will never reject a leader who continues to do good work, looking after the needs of everyone in the community. understands and stays close to them.
Excerpts from an exclusive interview with Hindu,
With elections just a few days away, what are the signs on the ground?
I clearly see that the people are with me and I am with the people. I am completing my 3rd term as MLA from Shantinagar constituency with this election, and I can only see the growing acceptance among the people as they have supported me working committedly for the development of the constituency for many years have seen.
Do you see any element of anti-incumbency as you are now contesting for the fourth time from the same seat?
None. This is usually possible when the same candidate of the same party is fielded repeatedly from the same constituency. But in the case of Shantinagar, I have been working closely with people for so many years and they are happy with me. If you do good work, people will not let you go. This has been my experience time and time again, term after term.
What development works have you done in the current tenure?
I have focused on the overall development of the constituency, mostly working on upgradation of the entire constituency, repair of major and minor roads, street lighting, construction of footpaths and basically road and infrastructure improvements. We have also worked on the issues of water logging and have been able to reduce that problem unless there is heavy rain and flooding.
If re-elected, what are your immediate areas of focus?
My constituency urgently needs a 500 bedded multi specialty hospital. I have already discussed the matter with the state government and sought support. So building healthcare infrastructure will be my primary focus in my next term. Developing new parks and playgrounds and repairing and cleaning existing parks and playgrounds will also be a priority. To stay healthy, the people of my constituency need good public infrastructure like parks, and in case of any illness, they need a complete healthcare provider.
According to the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), in the performance of legislators in the assembly (2018-2023), you topped the list by asking 591 questions and registering 84% attendance. How good a time manager are you?
I believe that once you commit to something, everything is possible and you find the time to do everything that needs to be done.
Will your son, Mohd. Haris Nalapad enter electoral politics soon?
Yes, he will enter electoral politics. But when, this party will decide.