'Will spend more time in Parliament, if elected'

Fading actor-turned-politician Raj Babbar's election promises go beyond the staple food, shelter and infrastructure. He has been assuring the electorate in Fathehpur Sikri that he would give adequate time to attend proceedings of the Lok Sabha, if elected.

With the actor fraternity facing flak for staying away from the House and ignoring their constituencies after elections, Babbar told PTI in an interview that he does not understand why filmstars do what they do -- going anywhere but to Parliament.

"I was involved in student politics and then I became an actor and after this I plunge into the mainstream politics. Since, I have seen politics closely I can assure you that I will give adequate time to the proceedings of the House. However, I cannot comment on why filmstars give very less time to the proceedings of Parliament," he said.

The actor, who was earlier with the Samajwadi Party, said he had switched to Congress because he believed the SP was losing its socialist character.

"I have always associated with a socialist party. When I was in the Samajwadi Party, it stood for socialism, but later on this element gradually disappeared. And as far as the Congress is concerned, its socialist credentials cannot be questioned," Babbar said.

"As far as politics is concerned, I have adapted quite well and I am in politics since 1965 and involved with the Socialist movement. And when it comes to politics, I practise issue based politics and added that his thinking is to improve the condition of the downtrodden."

Asked what are the issues on which he is seeking votes from the electorate, Babbar said, "My agenda as far as the constituency is concerned is total development. And it includes road, power supply, water, education and health care."