Name: Soumitra Saha

Occupation: IT professional

Age: 26

Education: Graduate

Annual income: Rs 6 lakh

Size of family: Five — parents, elder brother and sister-in-law

Seat: Dabgram-Fulbari (Jalpaiguri)

Is there any issue that is deciding how you will vote?

There can never be one issue. However, I would definitely say the huge shortage of jobs and the lack of industrial development in the state will play on my mind when I go to vote.

Will you vote for the same party you voted for in 2016? If so, why?

This question generates mixed feelings. I might be inclined to say yes. I still have hopes from the party.

Three things which Mamata Banerjee has done that benefited you.

I would like to rephrase the question as which initiatives have helped me and which have helped the people in general. For me and several others, development of road network has helped to streamline commuting to a large extent. Also, for others, the setting up of super-speciality hospitals in backward areas and the array of social schemes for students and youths have helped society at the grassroots.

Three things Mamata has done that hurt you.

There are a number of issues that she should have taken care of. It includes scams in government jobs and the absence of a regular recruitment process for youths. Also, she often loses her temper and there are instances of her appeasing a section of the people while gagging dissent.

Do you believe Mamata works for the poor or do you see her as part of the elite?

She has done several things for the poor. I do not see her as a part of the elite.

What do you think of the charge that she is only a Pishi?

First she was our “Didi”. The term “Pishi” has been recently coined in political circles. I don’t completely buy the theory that she is only a “Pishi”. We should also keep in mind that she is the only serving woman chief minister of the country.

Three things that Narendra Modi has done at the Centre that benefited you.

Initiatives like Digital India, Start-up India, Make in India, Ayushman Bharat and monthly pension for farmers. Also, relations with other nations have helped Indian companies to grow their business. In the past seven years, we have seen development of road and rail infrastructure, banking facilities have been extended to people across the society, the poor have got homes, and there has been a nationwide cleanliness drive.

Three things that Modi has done at the Centre that hurt you.

The Centre has taken certain “Tughlaqi” measures. First was the demonetisation that took more than 100 lives, then the privatisation of PSUs and the plan to implement “one nation, one language”.

Does he work for the poor or do you think it is true that he is working for his cronies?

I don’t believe it but yes, the government gives priority to certain private players. Issues like the hike in the prices of petroleum products should be addressed immediately. The government should work more on education, health and employment instead of installing statues.

Has your life got better since 2016 or worse?

More or less it is the same. There have been some development but even today, employment opportunities are lacking.

What do you think about the Left’s chances and about its alliance?

The Left has committed a blunder by joining hands with the ISF. They are now trying to launch some fresh faces. This might help them to win some seats.

Do Hindus and Muslims live in harmony in your neighbourhood?

Absolutely, we all are the same in Siliguri. As per my knowledge, there has been no news of Hindu-Muslim differences in the city for decades now.