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Rediff.com caught up with Janardhan Swamy during his campaign trail in Chitradurga and asked him a couple of questions about his journey from a techie to a neta.
What prompted you to come back to India and take up politics?
I have worked in countries like US and China. There is only one reason for me to return to my country and that is I love my country. I decided one day that I should come back here and do something for the people. This is a different ball game all together. It is tough and challenging, but at least, it allows me to do something for the people.
Considering your background (IT professional) it is strange that you decided not to contest from a Bangalore based constituency. Why Chitradurga?
Well, first and foremost I am from Chitradurga. If one needs to undertake developmental works then constituencies should not matter. I decided that I wanted to do something for the people of my place and constituency and hence I decided to take up this assignment.
The problems in Chitradurga are not something that can be solved by a techie. Or could it be? What is your mantra to connect with the voters?
Of course the problems can be sorted out. Apart from addressing the various issues, I would like to ensure that more jobs are created here. During my campaign trails I tell the voters to stop going outside their villages looking for jobs. I say that the jobs must come here instead. One of my main focus areas after I win the elections is to create a lot of infrastructure so that there are more jobs here.
So what do you think of the constituency? We have heard only of problems and nothing else here.
It is a poor constituency and the people are suffering as this place has been hit by drought. It is under-developed and has absolutely no water. Each of the assembly constituencies which form this parliamentary constituency needs special attention. However, I think that this constituency has a lot of potential. The only way to create jobs over here is through industrialisation. There are a lot of resources here and no one has tapped it. I am sure that industries can flourish over here.
After all the campaigning, you must have realised that there is a terrible water problem over here. What are you planning to do about it?
Yes I have realized it and every person in this constituency has only spoken about this problem. There is a certain amount of money that has already been earmarked by the Karnataka government and I am sure that once I am voted into power, I will be able to take care of this problem.