How will the change in leadership affect the partys electoral prospects?
My taking over will have an electrifying effect on the Congress cadre. They will come out of their houses and work for the partys success. Even Ambika Sonis report to the high command mentioned that the partys grassroots support was intact. The only element which was lacking was a leadership with a clear mind and purpose.
What will be your priorities as chief minister during the brief run-up to the elections?
My major challenge will be to ensure that Punjab does not once again get mired in the vortex of militancy and terrorism. The danger is very real for the reason that two communal parties have joined hands to try and defeat the secular Congress. My continued endeavour will also be to seek the help and cooperation of all secular parties.
The general impression is that the Congress is on its way out and that its peace card is no longer valid. Comment.
Wait for a fortnight and see how the impression changes. It is the Akali leadership which propagates that the peace issue is no longer valid. Go to any interior village and ask the common man how dear peace is to him.
How does it feel to be a woman chief minister in male-dominated Punjab?
I am very proud that this land of the brave has decided to have a woman as its chief minister. In Punjab and among the Sikhs, women have always enjoyed and been given equal status. The Congress party, too, has always believed in encouraging women.
