Modi Still Strongest Man to Lead India, Says Arvind Sawant

Arvind Sawant is fighting against Milind Deora in Mumbai South constituency

(Photo: PTI)

The fight in the Mumbai South, which goes to polls on 29 April, is between Congress’ Milind Deora and the sitting MP Shiv Sena’s Arvind Sawant.

Speaking to BloombergQuint, Sawant said that he is confident about a convincing victory this time too.

On being asked if the Modi factor is on a wane, as compared to 2014, he said: “Factors are bound to be different. There was deep resentment against Congress' corruption in 2014. Naturally, the wave isn't the same after five years, but people still feel Narendra Modi is the strongest man to lead the country.”

When asked about the Shiv Sena’s sharp criticism of the BJP in the recent past, Sawant said: “We are an independent party. A good friend is one, who rectifies. We were giving some suggestions but various perceptions were built based on that.

“Shiv Sena was with BJP even at its worst phase, on the question of Hindutva,” Sawant stressed.

Sawant also dismissed the narrative that Mukesh Ambani’s endorsement of his rival Deora would hamper his chances. “I am the voice of industries, not industrialists,” he said.