Q - In Murshidabad, it seems people vote for your hand rather than the Congress'.
Adhir: You cannot deny individual role in politics.
Q - As the strongest Congress leader in your State, why don't you take up ministerial responsibilities?
Adhir: I have not been offered any. And I am the last person to lobby for it.
Q - Do you think Congress will win all three Murshidabad seats?
Adhir: Perhaps.
Q - Do you think you will get a ministerial berth because of Deepa Dasmunsi?
Adhir: I don't know. But I would not lobby. My party knows how I rid my district of CPM influence and was effective in giving the party three MPs. My politics has never been negative, like that of Mamata. I never opposed serious Government ventures.
Q - That means you would not start a ruckus if land is taken up here for industry?
Adhir: Oh no, never. And I would not allow any other party to do so.
Q - There is a doubt over your party winning Murshidabad and Jangipur seats.
Adhir: I can tell you that my seat is safe. Murshidabad, I am not sure. The candidate there did not perform. In case of Pranabda in Jangipur, the bidi workers' problem is not created by him. There are some people who are blaming him.
Q - Is it true that no one in Murshidabad district can win without your blessings?
Adhir: I am only district party president.
Q - They also say that you are the 'Pappu Yadav of Berhampore' who has reformed.
Adhir: I do not want to compare myself with anybody. I protested wrongdoings fearlessly. So the Government put me behind bars. But this was because I had no platform to fight back on. Now I have one and I am fighting for the cause of people.
Q - You joined Congress not out of idealism but out of compulsion?
Adhir: There is a reason behind everything. I uphold the Congress ideology to best of my capacity.
Q - What is your view of the Trinamool-Congress mahajot?
Adhir: I do not know whether it will last till the start of Assembly election.
Q - How do you see Mamata as CM?
Adhir: Shab shesh hoye jabe (Everything will be finished). She will be the nemesis of the State. I have not seen negative politics and gimmickry thriving for too long. I protested against Marxist misrule but never blocked any good step of the Government. But hers is destructive politics. I had asked her not to quit the Railway Ministry because she could have served the State and its unemployed by staying on. But she needed publicity and left in a huff. This is not an example of chief ministerial qualities.