THANKFUL TO MRS SONIA GANDHI…..

THANKFUL TO MRS SONIA GANDHI…..

Today is the last day of campaigning and we are almost on the eve of the elections. Yesterday, the Congress – NCP – RPI alliance, organised the last and largest public meeting for Mrs. Sonia Gandhi.

There was much excitement in the ranks of the party and the mood was buoyant; everyone was eager to hear what the Chairperson of the UPA and our leader Mrs Sonia Gandhi had to say.

The atmosphere was electric as more than 50,000 party workers and people thronged to hear her speak. And they were not disappointed. Smt Sonia Gandhi gave a fiery speech, extolling the performance of the UPA at the Centre for the last 5 years, convincing all present that the performance of the UPA and its image as the most secular and stable alliance to lead India for the next 5 years will hold us in good stead.

I am grateful to Mrs. Gandhi for having instilled a fresh energy and confidence in the party ranks. Her presence has sent a positive message of her support and confidence in me.

She interacted a lot with the crowd, waved to them from the stage. In fact, while leaving, she even stopped several times on her way out to greet party workers. She even stopped her car, got out and came back to talk to the people. I am touched by these gestures and thankful to her for coming to Pune to campaign for me.

With Mr. Rahul Gandhi coming to Pune at the very beginning, Mr. Sharad Pawar and Mr. Ashok Chavan, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, kick starting my election campaign, Mr. Vilasrao Deshmukh and Mr. R. R. Patil backing it and Mrs. Sonia Gandhi lending her support by coming to Pune and addressing the party and electorate on last day of my campaign, I feel confident of doing well.

Suresh Kalmadi

PUNE - DEVELOPMENT A CONTINUOUS PROCESS….

PUNE DEVELOPMENT A CONTINUOUS PROCESS….

It’s been too long since I wrote on my blog last. The past week has been hectic as expected. Campaigning has been going well and am gratified to see that there are people who have appreciated the work that I and party have done in the last few years. We’re almost on the eve of the elections. It is really encouraging to see that the youth is very keen to cast their ballot and their excitement is almost palpable. I can feel it when I interact with them. And I am even happier to note that quite a few of them have been volunteers for the CYG.

Campaigning is at its peak now. NCP leaders like Shri R R Patil, Shri Dilip Walse Patil, Shri Govindrao Adik have come and campaigned for me. Shri Sharad Pawar came thrice and I am grateful to him for that. Shri Vilasrao Deshmukh along with Shri Balasaheb Shivarkar, Shri Sharad Ranpise and Shri Ulhas Pawar also came to support my campaign. RPI party workers have been working hard under the guidance of Shri Parshuram Wadekar. With support coming from all sides and all whole Congress party and alliances working wholeheartedly together, I am sure of doing well.

Recently, I have been at the brunt of attacks on various subjects from my worthy opponents. I suppose in a Lok Sabha elections this is expected. But I am surprised that their only agenda seems to be attacking me and my ‘supposed’ non performance.

It’s all there for everyone to see. As I have always maintained, development is a continuous process. Expectations, needs are ever rising and planning should be undertaken for long term. That’s why we planned the Vision 2020 document. Not for the next 5 years, but for a Pune in 2020! Long term plans are exactly that – long term, in that they take time to get completed. But planning has to start now, which we are doing in many cases. My appeal to contribute to Vision 2020 received a great response and again I was pleasantly surprised to see many youngsters sending suggestions. Most of these have been incorporated in the document…. Vision 2020 is truly a ‘Citizen’s document’. Please do visit my website to see the manifesto.

Suresh

Filing nomination Pune constituency for the 15th Lok Sabha elections

As I was making preparations to file my nomination from the Pune constituency for the 15^th Lok Sabha elections yesterday, I was struck with a sense of déjà vu. Thousands of thoughts crowded the mind and I was left with a feeling like going in for an examination!

But today, after a good night’s sleep, a short, brisk walk in the compound of my house coupled with some serious introspection, I feel invigorated and positive. The feeling of going for an examination has disappeared. In fact, the feeling now is that I have passed  with fairly satisfactory marks since I have studied hard for the exam for the last few years.

 I can truthfully say that I have tried my level best and succeeded to a great extent in contributing to the fast track development that has happened in Pune in the last few years. I still have unfinished business though…. I still have miles to go!

Pune has received the maximum funds from the JNNURM scheme of the Government of India and many important and essential projects for the city have been initiated. I pushed hard for the Commonwealth Youth Games to be held here as I knew that this would bring huge funds for development of the city infrastructure. The CYG were indeed a defining moment in Pune’s history.

I am meeting so many people everyday and am really touched when people wish me well and bless me wherever I go. Just yesterday, I met a handicapped man, who has decorated his vehicle and is going to campaign for me all over the city. Today, I had lunch with the residents of the Kashewadi slums, which was delicious and served with much affection and love. It was a special experience.

I firmly believe in the words spoken by Baba Amteji. He says and I quote,

“No one can defeat the person who competes with himself.” I can only say that actions speak louder than words and the work done by me and the Congress party speaks volumes.

Punekars have always supported me in all my endeavors. I seek your blessings and support at this time as well.

Suresh Kalmadi