Priya Dutt files nomination; harps on development

Filing her nomination papers, Congress candidate from Mumbai North Central Lok Sabha seat Priya Dutt today said her poll campaign will focus on development and appealed voters to rise above religious and casteist considerations.

Speaking to reporters after filing the nomination papers at Mumbai Suburban District Collector's office, Dutt said providing basic amenities and improving infrastructure in the constituency would be her top priority.

"I want development of the city to be humane. Rehabilitation of slum-dwellers should be done as promised and (rail) commuters should get better facilities. I will try to achieve these goals," the sitting MP said.

Reacting to her BJP rival Mahesh Jethmalani's charge that she has been an ineffective MP, Dutt said the eminent lawyer is not part of her constituency and he has been ill-informed.

To a question whether she had come to file her nomination keeping any auspicious time in mind, Priya said she considers everyday as good. "I just say a little prayer...," the daughter of legendary actors Nargis and Sunil Dutt said.

About her actor-brother Sanjay Dutt not campaigning for her, she said, "He is my brother and will always be there as a brother."

On Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh's statement that there is threat to Sanjay's life, Priya said, "Sanjay is fine; I'm sure he is safe."

To a question on batches worn by her supporters appealing to the people not to vote for criminals, Priya said the batches had been given by NGOs like AGNI.

Priya was accompanied by her husband Owen Roncon, local MLA Baba Siddiqi, Mumbai Congress president Kripa Shankar Singh and State Social Justice Minister Chandrakant Handore while filing the nomination.

All the six Lok Sabha constituencies in Mumbai and the four in neighbouring Thane will go to polls on April 30.