Mohd Kaif, Congress candidate from UP reveals why he joined politics

Lucknow, March 14: Cricketer-turned-politician

is all set to showcase his "political innings" as he makes his debut in the political world by contesting from Phulpur constituency of Uttar Pradesh on the

party's ticket.

Phulpur is a 'historic' constituency in Uttar Pradesh as it was once represented by the former prime minister of India, Pt Jawaharlal Nehru.

While talking to Indian Express, Allahabad-born Kaif opened up about his future plans in politics.

Kaif said that "small issues related to water, roads, electricity, schools, colleges, hospitals, employment" have never been never addressed" and felt it was the right time to give back to society.

Kaif revealed that he spoke to another cricketer-turned-politician Mohammad Azharuddin, who won the Moradabad seat in 2009 on a Congress ticket, before taking the plunge into politics.

Development is my aim. There is no U-turn. I have taken my guard: Mohd Kaif

On being questioned about Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, Kaif said, " One day he called me to Delhi and said the Congress wants me to contest from Phulpur."

On being compared Rahul Gandhi with the BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi, Kaif said, "Rahul Gandhi is the Sourav Ganguly of the Congress party. The goal is development and this inspired me to join."

On being questioned about his "star image", Kaif said, "For people of Allahabad and Phulpur, I'm the same Kaif. I was one of them, worked hard and achieved something. More than talking, it will be work done that will matter."

On facing the opposition parties, Kaif said, "Development is my aim. Ab koi kichad feke, gaali de, kuch bhi kare. There is no U-turn. I have taken my guard."

OneIndia News