VELLOR: For the 43-year old Shoukath Sheriff, contesting the election for the first time in his life, representing the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) is not going to be an easy task in Vellore.
Though he claims that his focus would be on winning the goodwill of the youth force here, that in itself, may not be sufficient. Especially given that he will have to face a stiff battle against the sitting MP Khader Mohideen on one side and the AIADMK candidate, yet to be announced.
Shoukath hails from a family that runs freight cargo businesses spread across the country and has been doing so for three generations. He says that he was interested in politics even as a student. His political career began as a member of the Tamil Nadu All India Congress Committee soon after his BA at Pachiappas College in Chennai. He was looking after his family business in Delhi when he got married to the daughter of the former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Mufti Mohammed Sayeed. The couple has two sons who are studying in a Chennai school now.
“I was not happy with the Congress. I was attracted by Vijayakanth and his striking appeal and clarion call to youth force to clean up the polity,” Shoukath told Express. After joining the DMDK last year he was installed as the State youth wing secretary for Delhi.
He admits though, that being the son-in-law of a former CM may not carry any weight here. However, he is also quick to point to the profound contact already established by him with the locals, which would certainly help in cutting the ice. “Please do not look at me as a non-local,” he pleaded. “My ancestors have their roots here and I have a lot of relatives and friends on whose appeal I volunteered to contest from Vellore,” he added.
His biggest strength, according to him, is being an educated youth, committed to do good for the people and willing to bring change in all forms if given an opportunity. “I do not want to reap anything from politics,” he quipped.
“I will be corruption free and accessible to the people of this constituency anytime.” He said he would focus on health issues, trade development, tourism promotion among other things. How would he go about convincing the voters? “I am working on the strategies which I may not be able to divulge now, but one thing I assure the people here that I would be a model MP,” he added.
Shoukath feels that the strength and support of the party cadre, his plan to undertake a door-to-door campaign, Captain’s charisma and cashing in on the ‘vote for change’ mood will help him garner support from the majority of the Velloreans.
Source: www.expressbuzz.com
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