Congress is the most secular party - Ravi Kishan

Ravi Kishan comes across as an honest actor turned politician. For one, he doesn't take unnecessary potshots at his opponents. Secondly, he has chosen to fight from his own backyard and finally he is frank enough to admit that he will never leave films for politics entirely. We caught up with this Bhojpuri superstar, a day after his filed his nomination papers from Jaunpur. Why did you join the Congress and not any other party? There are many reasons. Firstly, this is the only party that is truly secular in nature. It supports all castes and religions and is not at all communal. Secondly, Congress is the oldest party in India. The leaders of this party have given their sweat, blood and even lives for our country. The entire country is looking for change and I believe Congress can deliver that change. Bollywood is divided in its support on Modi. What's your take on Modi? See, I respect each and everyone's opinion. I hate getting into mudslinging but I know what the real Gujarat is like. I have been there many times and shot for more than 100 movies there. One should not go by what is shown in media or television channels. And I am sure people are sensible and woken up this time and will vote for the right change which Congress can provide. Do you think the secular fabric of our country would be in danger if Modi comes into power? See, I don't want to comment on a particular individual again but all I would say is with Congress in power secularism was never in danger in our country and it will continue in the same vein if people vote us back into power. What would you say are your party's weaknesses? I think we have not been able to market ourselves well. Yes, I agree we have made some mistakes, some of our leaders have committed some wrong doings but look at the immense amount of good work we have delivered over years. I think that needs to be highlighted well. You are contesting from Jaunpur? How has the response been there till now? Very nice. They have accepted me as their son. I chose this place because it's my parent's home. I have grown in this place. I have my farms here. I want to serve my people here in whatever way I can. Many locals from Jaunpur have become IAS and IPS officers but they serve elsewhere. I want to work here and see this land prosper. What reforms would you like to bring about? Jaunpur is at least 25 years behind from the rest of India. Many houses still don't have electricity and there is no proper sanitation facility available especially for women. So I will take care of these things. I will also want to built schools and educate the kids of Jaunpur. Movie stars are never real taken as serious politicians. Why do you think people will warm up to you? For me, I have nothing to earn from here. This is like social work for me. I could have chosen any other constituency but I chose to fight from my own backyard. I didn't opt for any metro cities that could have given me more power and media coverage. And since you talking about filmstars’ image, let me tell you that all of us actors including myself have been instrumental in making Bhojpuri language movies a big hit. A language has given birth to an industry that employs thousands. So in the same manner, I want all others to prosper and I am sincerely trying for that. Does that mean films will take a backseat now? No. All that I am today is because of the Bhojpuri film industry and Bollywood. I will try and utilise my time effectively so that I can serve my people and also earn my bread and butter at the same time. I will make Bhojpuri films in Jaunpur now and I will stick to my rule of doing two or three movies in Bollywood a year. Why would you say Rahul Gandhi has all the makings of a good PM? He is young and has a vision. He lost his grandmother and then his father. He could have easily opted for the good easy life and married and settled anywhere in this world. But he chose to serve the nation. I think that is proof enough of his honesty and focus. He will make a very good PM. Finally, your friend Manoj Tiwari is contesting on a BJP ticket. What do you want to say? I wish him all the best.