Big Boss politician woos voters in suburban Mumbai

Sanjay Nirupam, former Big Boss contestant and Congress candidate for the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls from Mumbai North, embarked on a road show on Sunday morning in suburban Malad.

Nirupam, who led the convoy in a black and red jeep, exhorted the voters to vote for him. He made several promises during his speech.

"If I come to power, I will do things for my constituency that nobody has done in the past 15 years. If you vote for me, with your blessings, I promise to put forth a quotation in the next rail budget to start frequent train services from Malad to Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and Churchgate. I request all of you to vote for the Congress," he declared.

His supporters, who had blocked the traffic, cheered for him and chanted 'Sanjay Nirupam aage bado (move forward).'

One enthusiastic Congress supporter even got himself a designer hairstyle to support his candidate -- he had Nirupam's name and the Congress symbol etched out on his head.

Nirupam's friends from the reality television show Bigg Boss -- Zulfi Syed and Ketki Dave -- were there to support him able and cheered for him at the rally. They were joined by Indian Idol winner Abhijeet Sawant, who sang the song Baar Baar Haan from the movie Lagaan, suggesting that the Congress would win and other parties would lose. 

 "I know him personally and I think he is a very deserving candidate. So I am here to support him and tell people that he will truly stick to his words and do what he says. I am sure Sanjayji will come forward and help all those who have any problems. Bigg Boss se nikal gaye par hamare dil jeetke nikal gaye (He got out of Big Boss but won our hearts)," said Dave.
 
Actresses Nagma and Bhagyashree were expected to attend the rally, but they didn't turn up.

Video: Dominic Xavier