As election fever heightens for Thursday’s big voting day here was an unexpected sight to see outside the Trident Hotel yesterday. SoBo’s elite and Page 3 regulars (usually considered part of the politically vapid) turned up in droves to support Congress candidate Milind Deora in his election campaign. The Deora family, including mother Hema, brother Mukul and wife Pooja were joined by Niranjan Hiranandani, Devika Bhojwani, Nandini Sardesai, Malavika Sangghvi and Yudhisthir Urs at the rally which started from the Trident and went up to Marine Lines.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_o2AC8Tqh8]
Though it was largely an assembly of youngsters, the rally was also supported by several 26/11 survivors and citizens from all sections of society. Inder Chaudhary, who lost his daughter and son-in-law in the 26/11 attack at the Oberoi, said, “Milind was the only leader who was there for us on that day. He was there helping us through the ordeal. My vote goes to him and I will urge others to do the same.” The rally largely focused on the political and social values of youngsters of South Mumbai. “And for us these values are reflected by Milind,” said a youth from Colaba.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMp_1_U8nAo]
Unfortunately Milind missed the rally because of his hectic schedule but that didn’t prevent the crowd from shouting slogans, singing songs and even signing a giant banner in Milind’s support. According to Milind’s wife Pooja, “The overwhelming response showed that people believe in Milind. The support from college kids and other eminent personalities showed that he has worked for the public.”
Milind told MiD DAY, “This rally gives me a higher sense of responsibility, especially with the presence of the victims of 26/11.”
I personally feel he represents a new India. One I’d be proud(er) of. Don’t get me wrong, I love my India and all that but have always felt the glaring absence of any political leadership that I can personally identify with (and isn’t marinated in corruption and hopelessly antique.) I believe in Milind Deora. He’s definitely a step in the right direction for what I guess you could call “the Facebook friendly generation!”
Apparently even Salman Khan thinks so! (But please don’t let that hamper your judgment) He joined Milind’s election caravan in Mumbai on Sunday, April 12th.
It’s also kinda cool that he plays the jazz guitar don’t you think? He jumped right up on stage with Buddy Guy a few years ago in Mumbai.
